If numbers 2, 3, 5, and 4 are listed for four hours, what is the average calls per hour?

If numbers 2, 3, 5, and 4 are listed for four hours, what is the average calls per hour?

• A. 2.5 calls per hour
• B. 3.5 calls per hour
• C. 4.0 calls per hour
• D. 3.0 calls per hour

Answer: (B)

Average (mean) is found by adding all the values and dividing by how many values there are. Add the four hourly counts: 2 + 3 + 5 + 4 = 14. Divide by the number of hours (4): 14 ÷ 4 = 3.5. So the average calls per hour is 3.5. This matches the given data, since totals of 10, 12, or 16 would correspond to averages of 2.5, 3.0, or 4.0, which don’t fit the actual sum of 14. Remember, the average can be a fraction even when each hourly count is a whole number.

Average (mean) is found by adding all the values and dividing by how many values there are. Add the four hourly counts: 2 + 3 + 5 + 4 = 14. Divide by the number of hours (4): 14 ÷ 4 = 3.5. So the average calls per hour is 3.5. This matches the given data, since totals of 10, 12, or 16 would correspond to averages of 2.5, 3.0, or 4.0, which don’t fit the actual sum of 14. Remember, the average can be a fraction even when each hourly count is a whole number.