Mean Absolute Deviation (MAD) is how far, on average, all data values are from the middle. To find the MAD of the you can follow 3 easy steps:

1. Find the mean of the values.
2. Find the distance of each value from that mean (subtract the mean from each value, ignore minus signs which is also the absolute value)
3. Then find the mean of those distances

For this Math Mini Spark, you’ll be finding the MAD on a spreadsheet.

Spark your math thinking!

1. Set up your math mini spark recording page: #85 Spreadsheets and MAD
2.  Calculate the MAD of this data set: 3, 6, 6, 7, 8, 11, 15, 16 
   1. Find the mean of the values.
   2. Find the distance of each value from that mean (subtract the mean from each value, ignore minus signs which is also the absolute value)
   3. Then find the mean of those distances

   

3. Look over the first part of this post from Math is Fun that outlines the steps. Make sure that each of the steps you did were correct.
4.  Make a Copy of this spreadsheet by clicking the link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ndcgCZ1EeVcKausxtkmBkONVfCeilbQNE6ukdUCWYk8/copy
5.  Watch the video and complete the steps shown in the video on your own spreadsheet.

7. Share your math mini spark recording page with your teacher/EY coordinator.

NOTE:  This mini-spark can be used as 1 spreadsheet lesson for the Spreadsheet Superstar Badge.