Mean of 4, 6, 8, 10, 12.

**The reasoning** The mean (or average) is the sum of all values divided by how many values there are. Step 1: Add all the numbers together: 4 + 6 + 8 + 10 + 12 = 40 Step 2: Count how many numbers you have: There are **5 numbers** Step 3: Divide the sum by the count: Mean = 40 ÷ 5 = **8** This is called the **arithmetic mean** — it tells you the "central" value if everything were equally distributed. **Why the wrong options tempt you** - **Option A (6)** tricks you if you accidentally pick the second number instead of calculating - **Option B (7)** might come from dividing by 6 instead of 5 (counting error) - **Option D (9)** could happen if you mistakenly add wrong (like getting 45) or use the wrong divisor **Quick takeaway** Mean = **Sum ÷ Count** — always double-check you've counted all numbers and added correctly before dividing!