During an experiment, the temperature of a liquid was measured several times. The temperatures, in degree Celsius, listed in increasing order, are 21, 25, x, 40, and 50. If the arithmetic mean of these temperatures is equal to the median, what is the value of x?

A. 34
B. 35
C. 36
D. 37
E. 38
OA is a

Can anyone help me here with approach to use in getting the best fit answer to the question? statistics is always a problem for me Crying or Very sad
Thank you so much for your help

Hi Roland2rule,
Let's take a look at your question.

The temperatures, in degree Celsius, listed in increasing order, are:
$$21,\ 25,\ X,\ 40,\ 50$$

We know that if we have odd number of values arranged in ascending or descending order, the middle value is known as median.
Hence, for the temperatures, listed in increasing order:
MEDIAN = X

Now, let's find the arithmetic mean of the temperatures.
Arithmetic Mean = Sum of Values / Number of Values
$$=\frac{\left(21+25+X+40+50\right)}{5}$$
$$=\frac{\left(136+X\right)}{5}$$

Th question states:
If the arithmetic mean of these temperatures is equal to the median, what is the value of x?
MEDIAN = ARITHMETIC MEAN
$$X=\frac{\left(136+X\right)}{5}$$
$$5X=136+X$$
$$5X-X=136$$
$$4X=136$$
$$X=\frac{136}{4}$$
$$X=34$$

Therefore, Option A is correct.

Hope it helps.
I am available if you'd like any follow up.