Bunuel
If x + z = 8, 2y + z =11, and 3x + y= 19, what is the average (arithmetic mean) of x, y, and z?
A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
E. 6
1) Pick two equations, eliminate one variableWith three equations and two variables, usually, you can eliminate only one variable at first.
Look for a pair in which one variable has the
same coefficient (not always possible).
x + z = 8 (P)
2y + z = 11 (Q)
3x + y = 19 (R)
P and Q: z's coefficient is 1 in both. Use (Q - P)
2y + z = 11 (Q)
(-)x + z = 8 (P)___
2y - x = 3 (S)
2) Pair new equation with an original that has the same two remaining variables Pair (S) with (R). Both have x and y only.
3x + y = 19 (R), rewritten to line up x and y
y + 3x = 19 (R)
2y - x = 3 (S)
x- and y-coefficents do not match. Multiply bottom equation (S) by 3, then add (R + S)
y + 3x = 19 (R)
6y - 3x = 9__ (S\(_1\))
7y . . . = 28
y = 4 3) Find other variables. Substitute known value(s) into other equation(s)Find x: y + 3x = 19 (S)
4 + 3x = 19
3x = 15
x = 5Find z: x + z = 8 (P)
5 + z = 8
z = 34) Average of x + y + z?3, 4, 5 are consecutive integers. Median = mean
Mean = 4
OR
\(\frac{3 + 4 + 5}{3} =\frac{12}{3}=4\)Answer C