Shortcut Tricks for Average
1. Quick Mental Math Techniques A. Choosing a Base Value for Faster Calculation Instead of summing all numbers directly, choose a base value close to the average and find deviations from it. Example: Find the average of 48, 52, 46, 54, and 50 . Shortcut Trick: Choose 50 as a base value because it is near most numbers. Now, calculate the deviations: 48 → -2 , 52 → +2 , 46 → -4 , 54 → +4 , 50 → 0 Total deviation = (-2 + 2 - 4 + 4 + 0) = 0 New sum = 50 × 5 + 0 = 250 Average = 250 ÷ 5 = 50 ✅ Answer: 50 (calculated quickly without full addition). 2. Using the Difference Method for Faster Calculations This method is useful when numbers are close to a particular reference point. Example: Find the average of 98, 102, 104, 96, and 100 . Shortcut Trick: Choose 100 as the reference point. 98 → -2 , 102 → +2 , 104 → +4 , 96 → -4 , 100 → 0 Total deviation = ...