If the average of the consecutive even integers a, b, and c is less th

Question

If the average of the consecutive even integers a, b, and c is less than a/3 which of the following best describes the value of a?

(A) a is prime

(B) a is odd

(C) a is zero

(D) a is positive

(E) a is negative

chetan2u · Answer

The average of a, b and c is b  =>  b<\frac{a}{3} 
 b-\frac{a}{3}<0……….\frac{3b-a}{3}<0

So,  3b-a<0……….2b+b-a<0………2b+2<0………2b<-2………..b<-1………..a+2<-1………..a<-3

Thus, a is negative.

OR

Average =b=a+2

a+2<\frac{a}{3} 
 a+2-\frac{a}{3}<0……….\frac{2a}{3}+2<0 
 2a<-2*3………a<-3

E

Crytiocanalyst · Answer

a + a+2 + a+4 < a => 3a +6 < a => 2a< -6 => a<-3 Therefore IMO E

bumpbot · Answer

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If the average of the consecutive even integers a, b, and c is less th

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If the average of the consecutive even integers a, b, and c is less th

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