scorpion_phoenix wrote:If x+y=8z, then which of the following represents the average (arithmetic mean) of x, y, and z, in terms of z?
(A) 2z+1
(B) 3z
(C) 5z
(D) z/3
(E) 3z/2
Jeff has provided an algebraic approach.
Here's a solution that involves the INPUT-OUTPUT approach.
Given: x + y = 8z
So, one possible solution to this equation is x = 7, y = 9 and z =
2
Which of the following represents the average (arithmetic mean) of x, y, and z, in terms of z?
Average = (x + y + z)/2
= (7 + 9 + 2)/2
= 18/3
=
6
So, when we INPUT
x = 2, the answer to the question is
6
So, we're looking for an answer choice that OUTPUTS a
6 when we INPUT
x = 2
Let's check the answer choices...
(A) 2(
2) + 1 =
5. No good. We want
6. ELIMINATE
(B) 3(
2) =
6. KEEP
(C) 5(
2) =
10. No good. We want
6. ELIMINATE
(D)
2/3 =
2/3. No good. We want
6. ELIMINATE
(E) 3(
2)/2 =
3. No good. We want
6. ELIMINATE
Answer: B
Cheers,
Brent
Brent Hanneson - Creator of GMATPrepNow.com
