BrightChamps Logo
Login
Creative Math Ideas Image
Live Math Learners Count Icon103 Learners

Last updated on August 10th, 2025

Math Whiteboard Illustration

Math Formula for Median

Professor Greenline Explaining Math Concepts

In Class 9 statistics, the focus is on understanding how to find the median, one of the measures of central tendency. The median represents the middle value of a data set when it is arranged in order. In this topic, we will explore the formula for calculating the median for both ungrouped and grouped data.

Math Formula for Median for US Students
Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Understanding the Median Formula in Class 9

The median helps identify the central value in a dataset. Let's delve into the formulas used to find the median for both ungrouped and grouped data in Class 9 mathematics.

Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Median Formula for Ungrouped Data

For ungrouped data, the median is determined based on the number of data points (n):

 

  • If n is odd, the median is the middle term. 
     
  • If n is even, the median is the average of the two middle terms.
Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Median Formula for Grouped Data

For grouped data, the median is calculated using the formula:

[ text{Median} = l + left(frac{frac{n}{2} - c}{f}right) times h ] where: 

( l ) = lower boundary of the median class 

( n ) = total frequency 

( c ) = cumulative frequency of the class preceding the median class 

( f ) = frequency of the median class - ( h ) = class interval

Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Importance of the Median Formula in Class 9

The median formula is crucial in Class 9 as it aids in analyzing and understanding datasets. It helps to: 

 

  • Identify the central or middle value in a dataset. 
     
  • Compare different datasets to understand their central tendencies. 
     
  • Develop foundational skills for more advanced statistical concepts.
Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Tips and Tricks to Memorize the Median Formula

To memorize the median formula effectively:

  •  Remember that the median is the "middle" value. 
     
  • Practice arranging data sets in order to find medians quickly. 
     
  • Use visual aids, like number lines, to see the data distribution. 
     
  • Regularly practice problems involving median calculation.
Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Real-Life Applications of the Median Formula

The median is used in various real-life scenarios, such as: 

  • Determining the typical salary in a company by finding the median salary. 
     
  • Analyzing test scores to find the middle score that represents a typical student performance. 
     
  • Evaluating real estate prices to find a typical house price in a neighborhood.
Max Pointing Out Common Math Mistakes

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them While Using the Median Formula

Students often make errors when calculating the median. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:

Mistake 1

Red Cross Icon Indicating Mistakes to Avoid in This Math Topic

Not sorting the data before finding the median

Green Checkmark Icon Indicating Correct Solutions in This Math Topic

Always sort the data in ascending or descending order before calculating the median.

 

For odd(n), select the middle value, and for even(n), find the average of the two middle values.

Mistake 2

Red Cross Icon Indicating Mistakes to Avoid in This Math Topic

Errors in identifying the median class in grouped data

Green Checkmark Icon Indicating Correct Solutions in This Math Topic

Ensure you correctly identify the median class by accurately calculating cumulative frequencies.

 

Double-check the class intervals and cumulative frequencies to confirm the median class.

Mistake 3

Red Cross Icon Indicating Mistakes to Avoid in This Math Topic

Confusing median with mean or mode

Green Checkmark Icon Indicating Correct Solutions in This Math Topic

Understand that the median is the middle value, not the average (mean) or the most frequent value (mode).

 

Practice distinguishing these concepts through examples.

arrow-right
Max from BrightChamps Saying "Hey"
Hey!

Examples of Problems Using the Median Formula

Ray, the Character from BrightChamps Explaining Math Concepts
Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 1

Find the median of the dataset: 7, 12, 5, 14, 10.

Ray, the Boy Character from BrightChamps Saying "Let’s Begin"
Okay, lets begin

The median is 10.

Explanation

To find the median, first arrange the data in ascending order: 5, 7, 10, 12, 14.

With 5 terms, the median is the 3rd value, which is 10.

Max from BrightChamps Praising Clear Math Explanations
Well explained 👍
Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 2

Calculate the median of the following scores: 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50.

Ray, the Boy Character from BrightChamps Saying "Let’s Begin"
Okay, lets begin

The median is 37.5.

Explanation

Arrange the data in order: 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50.

With 6 terms, the median is the average of the 3rd and 4th values: (35 + 40) / 2 = 37.5.

Max from BrightChamps Praising Clear Math Explanations
Well explained 👍
Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 3

Find the median of the ages: 22, 19, 25, 27, 30, 35, 40.

Ray, the Boy Character from BrightChamps Saying "Let’s Begin"
Okay, lets begin

The median age is 27.

Explanation

Arrange the ages in ascending order: 19, 22, 25, 27, 30, 35, 40.

With 7 terms, the median is the 4th value, which is 27.

Max from BrightChamps Praising Clear Math Explanations
Well explained 👍
Ray Thinking Deeply About Math Problems

FAQs on the Median Formula for Class 9

1.What is the median formula for ungrouped data?

For ungrouped data, if the number of data points (n) is odd, the median is the middle term. If n is even, the median is the average of the two middle terms.

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

2.What is the formula for the median in grouped data?

The formula for the median in grouped data is: [ text{Median} = l + left(frac{frac{n}{2} - c}{f}right) times h ] where ( l ) is the lower boundary of the median class, ( n ) is the total frequency, ( c ) is the cumulative frequency of the class before the median class, ( f ) is the frequency of the median class, and ( h ) is the class interval.

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

3.Why is the median important?

The median is important as it provides a measure of central tendency that is not affected by outliers, offering a better representation of the dataset than the mean in skewed distributions.

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

4.How to find the median in a frequency distribution table?

To find the median in a frequency distribution table, identify the cumulative frequency, determine the median class, and apply the median formula for grouped data.

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

5.What is the difference between median and mean?

The median is the middle value of a dataset, while the mean is the average calculated by dividing the sum of all values by the number of values.

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow
Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Glossary for Median Formula in Class 9

  • Median: The middle value of a dataset when arranged in order.

 

  • Grouped Data: Data that is organized into groups or classes for analysis.

 

  • Ungrouped Data: Raw data that is not organized into groups or classes.

 

  • Class Interval: The range of values within a class in a grouped data set.

 

  • Cumulative Frequency: The sum of frequencies accumulated up to a certain class.
Math Teacher Background Image
Math Teacher Image

Jaskaran Singh Saluja

About the Author

Jaskaran Singh Saluja is a math wizard with nearly three years of experience as a math teacher. His expertise is in algebra, so he can make algebra classes interesting by turning tricky equations into simple puzzles.

Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Fun Fact

: He loves to play the quiz with kids through algebra to make kids love it.

INDONESIA - Axa Tower 45th floor, JL prof. Dr Satrio Kav. 18, Kel. Karet Kuningan, Kec. Setiabudi, Kota Adm. Jakarta Selatan, Prov. DKI Jakarta
INDIA - H.No. 8-2-699/1, SyNo. 346, Rd No. 12, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana - 500034
SINGAPORE - 60 Paya Lebar Road #05-16, Paya Lebar Square, Singapore (409051)
USA - 251, Little Falls Drive, Wilmington, Delaware 19808
VIETNAM (Office 1) - Hung Vuong Building, 670 Ba Thang Hai, ward 14, district 10, Ho Chi Minh City
VIETNAM (Office 2) - 143 Nguyễn Thị Thập, Khu đô thị Him Lam, Quận 7, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
UAE - BrightChamps, 8W building 5th Floor, DAFZ, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
UK - Ground floor, Redwood House, Brotherswood Court, Almondsbury Business Park, Bristol, BS32 4QW, United Kingdom