What is the median of the dataset 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8?

In order to find the median of the dataset 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, it is essential to understand how to determine the median in a set of numbers. The median is defined as the middle value in a dataset when the numbers are arranged in ascending order.

Since the dataset consists of eight numbers (an even number of observations), the median is found by calculating the average of the two middle numbers. In this case, the numbers in the fourth and fifth positions of the ordered dataset are 4 and 5, respectively. To find the median, you take the average of these two values:

(4 + 5) / 2 = 9 / 2 = 4.5.

This calculation shows that the correct median of the dataset is 4.5, making it the accurate choice among the options given. The dataset's nature as having an even number of entries directly informs the approach needed to find the median, ensuring that the calculated value reflects the central tendency of the dataset accurately.