for better or for worse

[puntz]

This is probably for the "beyond the square" thinkers,
But in the world of mathematics, to obtain an average of let's say in this example,
2 + 2 = 4 /2 to give the avgerage of 2.
OK.

Does, or is there in existance where the average value is not a "2", but substituted to variables of 1.5's or 1.9's etc ?
If so where is this used ?

secondly,
The above example shows the basic average calculation for 2 values.(2+2)
But if there were to be 3 sets of values, lets say 2+2+2 = 6 / 3 = 2 = average.
What would the 1.5 be for 3 sets when 1.5 is for 2 sets of values and how is it calculated to get a 1.5 divisor value for 3 or more sets of values requiring an variable average diviser ?
What I mean is, if 2+2 = 4 /1.5 = 1.3
The 1.5 is used for 2 sets of values
If 3 sets of values are to be averaged,then is the 1.5 the correct divisor value to obtain the equivical answer as in the 2 sets?
Or, is the correct divisor for 2,3 or more values always 1.5 or makes no difference?


Why?
OK, I am working on a method of selections to out do what is commonly known. Yet,lets say the "opposition" KNOWS the majority uses a the normal method of calculating averages,then in a game of chance one may out do the other by out-guessing or altering the value of the common average divisor.
Normaly known as 2, it may be changed to 1.5 or 1.9.
Therefore not ever being able to outscore or out-guess the opponent.


Much appreciated.

[Mark]

Email me Pete, I'm totally lost as to what you're after.

Mark

[puntz]

k

[shoto]

Hi puntz,
I'm not sure what you're on about - no doubt Mark will help, but since you're talking averages...
where an average is used in horse analysis calculations, most people calculate the arithmetical mean, as in your example above.

Often a more useful figure is the harmonic mean - calculated by the sum of the reciprocals (ie if number is x, the reciprocal is 1/x). This figure accounts for the frequency as well as the raw sum of the numbers.

I find there a many situations where this is more useful.

I have no idea whether this is of any use to you, but it may be of interest.

[puntz]

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: puntz on 2004-11-03 10:03 ]</font>

[shoto]

I was a bit lax in the description - the harmonic mean is calculated by dividing the number in the sample by the sum of the reciprocals.
eg harmonic mean of three numbers x,y,z =
3/(1/x + 1/y + 1/z)

Hi puntz, I'm interested into entering this conversation. I don't quite follow what you are after, and that is definitely not your fault! Can you re-write the question please? I'd love to know where you are coming from.

Cheers

[puntz]

I wil try and re-write the question. But have explained it in more detail and there probably has some merit. But here it goes.

I did a few calculations on my averages and wondered there has to be something else. Something out of the normal.

Iguess we all are led to believe that to obtain an average of numbers,we add and then divide. The divisor being the total of the group of numbers. Right ?
Maybe using examples of 2+2+2 etc is to simple, so, lets use other numbers
56+28+99+38
add them up and divide by 4 to obtain an average.

Ok
BUT, why 4, why 2, why the number totaling the group of seperate numbers ?

That's the first part.

I may suggest those of you that have been adding numbers and obtaining averages by the common method, may find it interesting to note what would happen if one is to "slice" the divisor.
For each and many respected methods of doing stats. and if any of these methods use an average formula along the way, perhaps you should try and re-arrange the result by "slicing" the divisor.
What amount one "slices" it is entirely up to themselves.


The second part of the question is;

Assuming there are 2 sets of numbers to obtain an average.
let's say it's 56+98 = x /2 = "common average"

If we subtract 0.5 from 2, it becomes 1.5
So 56+98=x/1.5 = y

0.5 is a percenatage of 2
THAT percentage amount should be the same if it were 3 or 4 sets of numbers to be "sliced"- averaged ?
So if 3 then it realy ain't 1.5, it's something else.
It's 3 less the same percentage amount that equals the 2 to 1.5
So I figure if 3 and to "slice" it, I get 1.75
56+28+99 = x / 1.75 = "sliced" average.

make sense ?

The mess I get myself into is the lack of knowing formulas tp get to where I want to get to. That being what IS the percetage amount when 0.5 is subtracted from 2
No good telling me it's this or that, better if shown the actual sum to add to spreadsheets etc.

Thirdly, has "slicing" the average figure been done anywhere before that is not associated in racing ?
If so,where?

[puntz]

thanks for ya help, it has been finaly sorted out the way to go with this minor obstacle.

[puntz]

Conclusion.

It was a wild idea

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: puntz on 2004-11-03 10:03 ]</font>