How is the mean of a dataset calculated?

The mean of a dataset is calculated by adding all the values together and then dividing that sum by the total number of values in the dataset. This method provides an average that reflects the central tendency of the data, making it a common and straightforward way to represent the dataset as a single value. It summarizes the data set, allowing comparisons between different datasets or conditions.

The other options focus on different measures or aspects of data. Sorting values and finding the middle refers to the median, which identifies the central value when the dataset is organized in order. Identifying the highest value relates to determining the maximum of the dataset, which does not reflect the overall behavior of the dataset. Counting the frequency of each value pertains to the mode, which highlights the most frequently occurring value but does not provide a measure of average behavior like the mean does.