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Introduction and definition

Definition 1.1   The average is defined as
$ Average = \frac{1}{n}\sum{a_i}$

A simple interpretation: each nummber($ a_i$) gets to `vote' for itself; the average is the sum of these `votes'. Each number gets $ \frac{1}{n}$th the total vote, hence the $ \frac{1}{n}$. This democratic decision of the average is nice, fair, and also gives us some cool properties.
Kalid M. Azad 2002-10-31