What is the mean of: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10?

## The reasoning The **mean** (or average) is the sum of all values divided by how many values you have. Step 1: Add all the numbers together: 2 + 4 + 6 + 8 + 10 = 30 Step 2: Count how many numbers there are: 5 numbers Step 3: Divide the sum by the count: Mean = 30 ÷ 5 = **6** This is the **arithmetic mean** — you're finding the "middle value" if all the numbers were equal. ## Why the wrong options tempt you **A) 5** — You might pick this thinking "2 to 10, so the middle is 5" but that's just looking at the range, not calculating the actual average. **C) 7** — This could trap you if you miscounted the numbers (thinking there are only 4) or made an addition error. **D) 8** — You might choose this if you just picked the second-to-last number or rushed without calculating. ## Quick takeaway **Mean = Sum of all values ÷ Number of values** — always add everything first, then divide by how many items you counted!