Question

The average of 3 numbers is 26. The smallest number is (n – 1). The middle number is 4 times the smallest and the largest number is twice the middle number.

Calculate the smallest number.

Answer 1

smallest number = 6

Explanation:

given

smallest number = n - 1

middle number = 4(n - 1) = 4n - 4

largest number = 2(4n - 4) = 8n - 8

average is calculated as

average =
`(sum)/(count)`

here average = 26 and count = 3 , then

`(n-1+4n-4+8n-8)/(3)` = 26 ( multiply both sides by 3 to clear the fraction )

n - 1 + 4n - 4 + 8n - 8 = 78

13n - 13 = 78 ( add 13 to both sides )

13n = 91 ( divide both sides by 13 )

n = 7

then smallest number = n - 1 = 7 - 1 = 6