The average of a,b and c is -17. If a= 15 and b= -29 what is c??

Answer 1

Navjot,

Translate the first sentence into an equation, using the definition of “average”.

The average of three items is the sum, divided by three.

So, (a + b + c)/3 = -17

Now put the values that we already know into this equation

(15 -29 + c)/3 = -17

simplify

( -14 +c)/3 = -17

multiply both sides by 3

( -14 + c ) = -51

The last step is to add 14 to both sides. Now I ask you: what is c?

Answer 2

Navjot,

Translate the first sentence into an equation, using the definition of “average”.

The average of three items is the sum, divided by three.

So, (a + b + c)/3 = -17

Now put the values that we already know into this equation

(15 -29 + c)/3 = -17

simplify

( -14 +c)/3 = -17

multiply both sides by 3

( -14 + c ) = -51

The last step is to add 14 to both sides. Now I ask you: what is c?