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Calculate the Average of a List of Numbers Using a Function in C++

This exercise helps you learn how to write a function in C++ that processes a collection of numbers and returns their average. Calculating the average is a common task in many applications, including statistics, data analysis, and real-time monitoring systems.

You will define a function that accepts an array of numbers and its size, then uses a loop to calculate the total sum and finally returns the average by dividing the sum by the number of elements. This task reinforces your understanding of loops, arrays, and function handling in C++.

By completing this exercise, you'll strengthen your logic-building skills and gain practical experience with numeric processing and modular programming.

Group

Functions in C++

Objective

1. Define a function that receives an array of numbers and its length.
2. Loop through the array to compute the total sum of the elements.
3. Divide the total sum by the number of elements to get the average.
4. In the main function, ask the user for the number of elements and then input each number into an array.
5. Call the function and display the average result.

Write a function that calculates the average of a list of numbers.

Example C++ Exercise

 Copy C++ Code 
#include <iostream> // Include the iostream library for input and output

using namespace std; // Use the standard namespace

// Function to calculate the average of an array of numbers
float calculateAverage(int numbers[], int size) {
    int sum = 0; // Variable to store the total sum

    // Loop through each element in the array
    for (int i = 0; i < size; i++) {
        sum += numbers[i]; // Add each element to the sum
    }

    // Calculate and return the average
    return static_cast<float>(sum) / size;
}

// Main function - entry point of the program
int main() {
    int size; // Variable to store the number of elements

    // Ask the user for the number of elements
    cout << "Enter the number of elements: ";
    cin >> size; // Read the size

    int numbers[size]; // Declare the array with the given size

    // Prompt the user to input the numbers
    cout << "Enter " << size << " numbers:" << endl;
    for (int i = 0; i < size; i++) {
        cin >> numbers[i]; // Read each number
    }

    // Call the function to calculate the average
    float average = calculateAverage(numbers, size);

    // Display the calculated average
    cout << "The average is: " << average << endl;

    return 0; // End of the program
}

 Output

Enter the number of elements: 5
Enter 5 numbers:
10
20
30
40
50
The average is: 30

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