Determining the arithmetic mean of temperature readings involves summing a series of temperature values and dividing by the total number of values. For example, if the recorded temperatures for five consecutive days are 20C, 22C, 25C, 23C, and 21C, the sum (111C) is divided by five, yielding an average of 22.2C. This single value represents a central tendency of the temperature dataset.
The derived value is a critical metric for various applications, including climate analysis, weather forecasting, and industrial process control. Analyzing average temperatures over extended periods reveals climate trends and aids in predicting future weather patterns. Moreover, accurate temperature averages are crucial for optimizing energy consumption in buildings and ensuring the efficiency of temperature-sensitive manufacturing processes. Historically, this calculation has enabled scientists to understand and document changes in the Earth’s climate, informing policy decisions and resource management strategies.