16Hit1600
AlgebraEasy–MediumLeast value from a condition on an average

Algebra practice question

The average (arithmetic mean) of x and 3x must be at least 20. What is the least possible value of x?

Answer: 10

(x + 3x)/2 = 2x ≥ 20 → x ≥ 10.

Common wrong answers

If you answered 5
5 comes from 4x ≥ 20, forgetting to divide by 2.
If you answered 20
20 is the average, not x.
If you answered 40
40 is 2 × 20.

More Algebra questions

Not affiliated with the College Board. SAT is a trademark of the College Board.