The easiest way:
.......I......I........I..........I..............I
140 140 140
Now, 124*5=620-140*3=200
So,
..........I..........I.............i...............i..............i
100 100 140 140 140
The reatest possible length of the shortest piece is 100.
Hope, this helps.
GMAT Prep2?? (Median and Average)
This topic has expert replies
Source: Beat The GMAT — Problem Solving |
Average 124 means
a+b+c+d+e = 124*5 = 620
Assume a,b,c,d,e is the acending order, then since 140 is the median, c will be 140.
Smallest piece will be at its maximum length when pieced D and E are at their smallest possible (which will be 140 here because of the order) and the A and B are equal.
So,
a+a+140+140+140 = 620
2a = 620-420 = 200
a=100
Pieces will be
100 100 140 140 140.
a+b+c+d+e = 124*5 = 620
Assume a,b,c,d,e is the acending order, then since 140 is the median, c will be 140.
Smallest piece will be at its maximum length when pieced D and E are at their smallest possible (which will be 140 here because of the order) and the A and B are equal.
So,
a+a+140+140+140 = 620
2a = 620-420 = 200
a=100
Pieces will be
100 100 140 140 140.
