To find the mean assessment ratio, what is the first step?

The first step in finding the mean assessment ratio is to sum all individual ratios. This is a foundational part of the process because the mean is defined as the total value divided by the number of values. By summing all individual assessment ratios, you establish the total amount needed to calculate the mean.

Once this total is obtained, it can be divided by the number of individual ratios to achieve the final mean assessment ratio. This approach ensures that every individual assessment ratio contributes to the overall average, providing an accurate representation of the data set as a whole.

Assessing all properties, calculating the median ratio, and counting the number of properties are components that play roles in the appraisal process but do not directly address the calculation of the mean assessment ratio. Summing individual ratios is a specific and necessary action before proceeding with the calculation itself.