Problem Solving

BTGmoderatorDC wrote:Of the 13 employees in a certain department, 1 has an annual salary of 38,000, 2 have an annual salary of 45,000 each, 2 have an annual salary of 42,500 each, 3 have an annual salary of 40,000 each and 5 have an annual salary of 48,500 each. What is the median annual salary for the 13 employees?

A. 38,000
B. 40,000
C. 42,500
D. 45,000
E. 48,500

OA D

Source: GMAT Prep

Since there are 13 employees, the employee with the median salary would be the 7th one [= (13 + 1)/2] provided the salaries are arranged in either ascending or descending order.

Say we arranged the salaries in ascending order. Thus, we have,

[color=]Salaries | # of emp[/color]
38,000 | 1
40,000 | 3
42,500 | 2
45,000 | 2
48,500 | 5

The 7th salary from the top would be 45,000.

The correct answer: D

Hope this helps!

-Jay
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BTGmoderatorDC wrote:Of the 13 employees in a certain department, 1 has an annual salary of 38,000, 2 have an annual salary of 45,000 each, 2 have an annual salary of 42,500 each, 3 have an annual salary of 40,000 each and 5 have an annual salary of 48,500 each. What is the median annual salary for the 13 employees?

A. 38,000
B. 40,000
C. 42,500
D. 45,000
E. 48,500

OA D

Source: GMAT Prep

Since (13 + 1)/2 = 7, the median is the 7th value when the salaries are ordered from least to greatest.

The salaries from least to greatest are:

38,000 (1st)

40,000 (2nd to 4th)

42,500 (5th and 6th)

45,000 (7th and 8th)

Thus, the median salary is 45,000.

Answer: D