Calculate the Mean of 10, 12, 8: Exploring Average Changes

Question

Look at the following numbers:

10,12,8 10,12,8

What is the average?

If we add a number larger than the average to the group (e.g. 11), then how will the average change?

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve this problem, we'll determine the initial average of the numbers provided and address the change in the average when a new number is added:

  • Step 1: Calculate the initial average.
  • Step 2: Add the new number to recalculate the average.
  • Step 3: Compare the old and new averages.

Step 1: Calculate the initial average of 10, 12, and 8:
- First, find the sum of the numbers: 10+12+8=3010 + 12 + 8 = 30.
- There are 3 numbers, so divide the sum by 3 to get the average: 303=10\frac{30}{3} = 10.

Step 2: Add the number 11 (which is larger than the initial average) to the group and recalculate the average:
- The new sum is 30+11=4130 + 11 = 41 with a total of 4 numbers.
- The new average becomes 414=10.25\frac{41}{4} = 10.25.

Step 3: Compare the averages:
- The initial average is 10.
- The new average is 10.25, which is higher than 10.

Therefore, adding a number larger than the initial average results in an increased average. So, the average will increase when 11 is added.

The correct answer to the question is: Average 10, the average will increase.

Answer

Average 10, the average will increase