Averages

Master Averages without formulas using 'The Deviation Method' and 'Weighted Balance'.

Expert Answer & Key Takeaways

Master Averages without formulas using 'The Deviation Method' and 'Weighted Balance'.

Concept 1: The 'Deviation Method' (No Formulas)

The Core Truth: Average is the point where Net Deviation is ZERO.

The Method: Instead of summing huge numbers, pick an 'Assumed Average' (A).

If numbers are 48, 52, 55. Let A = 50.

  • 48 is -2 (below 50).
  • 52 is +2 (above 50).
  • 55 is +5 (above 50).
  • Net Deviation = +5.
  • Average = 50 + 5/3 = 51.66.

Example:

Q: Find avg of 693, 699, 706
Solution: Assume 700. Dev: -7, -1, +6. Net Dev: -2. Avg = 7002/3=699.33700 - 2/3 = 699.33.

Concept 2: The 'Replacement Hack' (Newcomer Effect)

When a person joins a group, they bring a 'Surplus' or 'Deficit'.

New Avg = Old Avg + Total IncreaseTotal People

Example:

Q: Avg age of 10 people increases by 2 years when a new person replaces a 40-year-old.
Solution: New must cover old (40) + bring extra (10x2=20). Age = 40+20=6040 + 20 = 60.

Concept 3: Weighted Average (The Balance Beam)

If Group A has N1 items with Avg A1, and Group B has N2 items with Avg A2. The gap between A1 and A2 is shared in ratio N2:N1.

  • Weighted Avg = N1(A1) + N2(A2)N1+N2.

Example:

Q: Class A (20 boys, Avg 30), Class B (30 girls, Avg 50).
Solution: Avg = 20(30)+30(50)50=600+150050=42\frac{20(30) + 30(50)}{50} = \frac{600 + 1500}{50} = 42.

Concept 4: The 'AP Rule' (Visual Middle)

For any Arithmetic Progression (AP) like 12, 14, 16... or 7, 14, 21...

Average = Middle Number

Master Formula: Average = First Term + Last Term2.

Example:

Q: Average of first 50 natural numbers?
Solution: First=1, Last=50. Avg = (1+50)/2=25.5(1+50)/2 = 25.5.

Concept 5: Average Speed (Harmonic Mean)

If distance is constant, time is variable.

Avg Speed = 2xyx+y

Example:

Q: Go at 60 kmph, return at 40 kmph.
Solution: Avg Speed = 2×60×40100=48\frac{2 \times 60 \times 40}{100} = 48 kmph.

Concept 6: The 'Cricketer's Balance'

Batting Avg: Total RunsTotal Innings [Out].

Bowling Avg: Total Runs GivenTotal Wickets Taken.

Trick: For Bowling, a LOWER avg is better.

Example:

Q: Batsman avg increases by 3 after scoring 96 in 12th inning.
Solution: 96=OldAvg+12(3)    96=Old+36    Old=6096 = \text{OldAvg} + 12(3) \implies 96 = \text{Old} + 36 \implies \text{Old} = 60.

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