median

[jainrahul1985]

Given distinct positive integers 1, 11, 3, x, 2, 15, and 9, which of the following could be the median?
3
5
11
14
It cannot be determined from the given information.

OA B

[shankar.ashwin]

First sort the Nos in ascending order.

1
2
3
9
11
15.

Now if x is added, it would made the total number of terms odd and hence x should be the median (middle value). For x to be median it should be placed inbetween 3 and 9 and the only value from the option which satisfies this is 5

[rohanberi]

First sort the Nos in ascending order.

1
2
3
9
11
15.

Now if x is added, it would made the total number of terms odd and hence x should be the median (middle value). For x to be median it should be placed inbetween 3 and 9 and the only value from the option which satisfies this is 5

Number can be 3<= x <=9.
So, we have two choices as correct, 3 and 5.

I am not able to make out how come the answer is 5, and not 3 ?

[shankar.ashwin]

Question mentions distinct numbers, so 3 would not be possible

First sort the Nos in ascending order.

1
2
3
9
11
15.

Now if x is added, it would made the total number of terms odd and hence x should be the median (middle value). For x to be median it should be placed inbetween 3 and 9 and the only value from the option which satisfies this is 5

Number can be 3<= x <=9.
So, we have two choices as correct, 3 and 5.

I am not able to make out how come the answer is 5, and not 3 ?

[sl750]

@rohanberi
The question says, distinct positive integers. So, 3 cannot be the median

[rohanberi]

Got it guys.
I missed the catch.

[smagish]

guys what if the value of x is greater than 9...???

[eagleeye]

guys what if the value of x is greater than 9...???

If x>9, lets say x= 10, the median will be 9. But its not one of the options. If there was 9 instead of 5 in the options, 9 would be correct.

[smagish]

guys what if the value of x is greater than 9...???

If x>9, lets say x= 10, the median will be 9. But its not one of the options. If there was 9 instead of 5 in the options, 9 would be correct.

since there is a discrepancy the answer should be opt E i.e It cannot be determined from the given information.

Correct me if am wrong

[Kobe_Kassidy]

guys what if the value of x is greater than 9...???

If x>9, lets say x= 10, the median will be 9. But its not one of the options. If there was 9 instead of 5 in the options, 9 would be correct.

since there is a discrepancy the answer should be opt E i.e It cannot be determined from the given information.

Correct me if am wrong

I look at it this way:

The "given information" supports 5 as a possible median. The question asks for a number that "could" be the median, not one that "must" be the median. If you can identify a possible median in A-D based on the information given, answer E would then be incorrect.