The average (arithmetic mean) of a list of 8 different positive.......

Question

The average (arithmetic mean) of a list of 8 different positive integers is 23. Which of the following is the greatest possible range of this list of numbers?

A) 149
B) 155
C) 156
D) 168
E) 183

eabhgoy · Accepted Answer

Since we need a list 8 +ve integers and their mean is 23, then their sum is 23*8 = 184

Now lets us try to minimize the first 7 and maximize the 8th number.

First 7 numbers will be = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 whose sum = 28
And hence the 8th number will be 184-28 = 156

Now the range is = 156 -1 = 155

Hence B is the correct answer.

prabsahi · Answer

Sum of all the numbers = Mean *total numbers =23*8=184

Now max range will happen when we have max-min of a set.

Lets assume max =184
Now rest 7 digits need to be different and positive so ..
1,2,3,4,5,6,7

Therefore,largest term is

184-(1+2+3+4+5+6+7)

184 -(sum of AP till 7 or you can simply add )

184- 7*8/2

184-28

=156

Therefore range is Largest term-Smallest term 
=156-1 
=155

Hope it helps !!

Posted from my mobile device

KanishkM · Answer

keyword : 8  different   positive integers

Now Range = Highest Term - Lowest term

Average = 23, Total sum = 184 (23*8)

Now if i minimize Lowest term, i can maximize Highest Term

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 156

156-1 = 155

B

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

The sum of the integers is 8 x 23 = 184.

To maximize the range, we need the largest element to be as large as possible and the smallest element to be as small as possible. To find the largest possible value in the set, we should take the rest of the elements as small as possible. Thus, we can let the first 7 integers be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, for a sum of 28, so the largest value in the set would be 184 - 28 = 156, for a maximum range of 156 - 1 = 155.

Answer: B

jojo95 · Answer

Can someone please explain why we need to subtract 1 from 156?

How do we know when we need to subtract from 1 and when not to when working with ranges?

Thank you in advance!

KanishkM · Answer

Hey  jojo95

Range is calculated in terms of Highest Term - Lowest Term in a arithmetic series, or an evenly spaced series. We use the mentioned formula.

And since the question is pertaining to that concept we had to use that.

Now i believe, you are talking about, how to calculate numbers from 5 to 10

In this case we use m - n - 1, here you are subtracting 1.

Next case will be how to calculate numbers between 5 and 10

In this case we use m - n + 1, here you are adding 1, to get the numbers between that range.

CAMANISHPARMAR · Answer

Range = Largest number - Smallest number

Largest number = 156

Smallest number = 1

What will be the Range? Off course 156 - 1 = 155

This is not a special case. In fact, there is never ever a special case when dealing with the range formula. It is always the Largest number - Smallest number. It is just a coincidence that the smallest number is 1; that's why we are subtracting 1.

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