Statistics - mean, median and other measures

These java applets let you create different distributions and see the effect on the mean and the median:

• Surfstat
• Rice Virtual Lab in Statistics

Bureau of Meteorology:

• Investigate the climate averages (tables, graphs and maps).
• Use the map selection menu - note the applications of deciles and percentages.
• Detailed information is also provided about how calculations are performed.

When would the median be preferred over the mean?

What is the advantage of the mean when it comes to the calculation of totals?