Problem-Solving and Data AnalysisHardStatistics: mean
Problem-Solving and Data Analysis practice question
The mean of five numbers is 12. If four of them are 8, 10, 14, and 16, what is the fifth number?
Answer: 12
Mean 12 over five numbers means the total is 5 × 12 = 60. The four given sum to 48, so the fifth is 60 − 48 = 12. Convert 'mean' to 'total' immediately.
Common wrong answers
- If you answered 48
- That's the sum of the four given numbers. The five numbers must total 5 × 12 = 60, so the fifth is 60 − 48 = 12.
- If you answered 60
- That's the total of all five numbers, not the missing one — subtract the 48 you already have to get 12.
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