= Mode
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= Mode
{synonym}
A mode is a value at which a <probability mass function> or specified <probability density function> attains its largest value. There may be more than one. For the <normal distribution> the unique mode equals the <mean>; the <Maxwell speed distribution> has mode $\sqrt{2k_BT/m}$ and a larger <mean> speed. For a <continuous probability distribution>, a mode maximizes density rather than the <probability> of an exact value, which is zero. Density modes can change under a nonlinear <change of variables>, as the distinction between <Maxwell-Boltzmann velocity distribution> and <Maxwell speed distribution> illustrates.
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