Find the median of: 4, 7, 2, 9, 5, 3, 8.

**The reasoning** The median is the **middle value** when you arrange numbers from smallest to largest. First, sort the numbers: 2, 3, 4, **5**, 7, 8, 9 Count them: there are 7 numbers (odd count). The middle position is the 4th number — that's **5**. **Formula reminder**: For *n* numbers, the median position = (n+1)/2 = (7+1)/2 = 4th position. **Why the wrong options tempt you** **A) 4** — You might pick this if you don't sort first, or if you miscount positions (it's actually the 3rd value). **C) 6** — This trap catches students who think "find the average of all numbers" instead of the middle. Also, 6 isn't even in the list! **D) 7** — Counting from the wrong end, or confusing median with mode or range. **Quick takeaway** **"Sort first, find middle" — the median is always about POSITION after arranging, not calculation.** With odd counts, it's one number; with even counts, average the two middle ones.