Compare Averages: Determining if 12,16 = 10,20,25,5,10

To solve this problem, we'll determine the average of both groups and compare the results:

• Step 1: Calculate the average of the first group $(12, 16)$.
  The sum of the first group is $12 + 16 = 28$.
  There are 2 numbers, so the average is $\frac{28}{2} = 14$.
• Step 2: Calculate the average of the second group $(10, 20, 25, 5, 10)$.
  The sum of the second group is $10 + 20 + 25 + 5 + 10 = 70$.
  There are 5 numbers, so the average is $\frac{70}{5} = 14$.
• Step 3: Compare the averages.
  Both groups have an average of 14; thus, the correct sign is $=$.

Since both averages are equal, the conclusion is that the groups have the same average.
Therefore, the solution to the problem is =.