What is the formula for finding the mean of a data set?

The mean of a data set is calculated by adding together all the values in the set and then dividing that sum by the total number of values. This formula provides the average value, which gives a central point around which the data is distributed.

To break it down, when you sum all the values, you account for every piece of data in your set. Dividing this sum by the number of values ensures that the mean reflects the average size of the data points, taking into account how many data points there are. This method effectively balances the influence of larger and smaller values, giving a holistic view of the data set.

The other choices do not represent the calculation of the mean correctly. The maximum and minimum values only give you the range and do not address the average of the data set. Counting values or summing without the proper context does not yield the mean as required. Thus, the formula for the mean is accurately expressed as the sum of all values divided by the total number of values.