What is the median of the following numbers: 3, 8, 7, 5, 9?

To find the median, first, the numbers must be arranged in ascending order. For the numbers given—3, 8, 7, 5, and 9—the ordered sequence is 3, 5, 7, 8, 9.

Once the numbers are sorted, the median can be determined. The median is the middle value in a list of numbers. Since there are five numbers in this case, the median is the third number in the ordered list.

Counting to the middle of the sorted numbers:

1. The first number is 3.

2. The second number is 5.

3. The third and middle number is 7.

Therefore, the median of the numbers 3, 8, 7, 5, and 9 is 7. This understanding helps solidify the concept of finding the median by recognizing the importance of sorting the data first and identifying the central value within the ordered set.