If the average (arithmetic mean) of the four numbers \(3, 15, 32,\) and \(N + 1\) is \(18,\) then \(N =\)

This topic has expert replies
Source: — Problem Solving |

GMAT/MBA Expert

User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 16207
Joined: Mon Dec 08, 2008 6:26 pm
Location: Vancouver, BC
Thanked: 5254 times
Followed by:1268 members
GMAT Score:770
M7MBA wrote:
Sun Aug 15, 2021 3:17 pm
If the average (arithmetic mean) of the four numbers \(3, 15, 32,\) and \(N + 1\) is \(18,\) then \(N =\)

(A) 19
(B) 20
(C) 21
(D) 22
(E) 29

Answer: C

Source: Official Guide
The average (arithmetic mean) of the four numbers 3, 15, 32, and (N + 1) is 18
So, (sum of all 4 numbers)/4 = 18
Multiply both sides by 4 to get: sum of all 4 numbers = 72
This means that 3 + 15 + 32 + (N+1) = 72
Simplify: N + 51 = 72
Solve to get: N = 21

Answer: C
Brent Hanneson - Creator of GMATPrepNow.com
Image