Here's a brief explanation:
Set up the scores: Let the 7 distinct integer scores in ascending order be
S1 < S2 < S3 < S4 < S5 < S6 < S7
Use given information:
Sum of scores = Average × Number of students = 30×7=210.
Median (S4) = 27.
Minimize the highest score (S7): To make S7 as small as possible, the other six scores (S1 , S2 , S3 , S5 , S6 ) must be as large as possible, while still maintaining their distinctness and order relative to the median.
Determine values for other scores:
S4 = 27.
To maximize S1 , S2 , S3 while keeping them distinct and less than S4 :
S3 = 26
S2 = 25
S1 = 24
To maximize S5 , S6 while keeping them distinct and less than S7 , we set them as close to S7 as possible:
S6 = S7 − 1
S5 = S7 − 2
Set up the sum equation:
S1 + S2 + S3 + S4 + S5 + S6 + S7 = 210
24+25+26+ 27 + (S7 −2) + (S7 −1) + S7 = 210
Solve for S7 :
102+3*S7 − 3 = 210
99 + 3 * S7 = 210
3 * S7 = 111
S7 =37
Verify: The scores would be 24, 25, 26, 27, 35, 36, 37. These meet all conditions (distinct, integers, 0-100, median 27, average 30).
The final answer is 37