GMAT Linear Equations Explained — Average (arithmetic mean) of 5 numbers j, j+5,2 j-1,4 j-2, and 5

If the average (arithmetic mean) of 5 numbers j, j + 5, 2 j - 1, 4 j - 2, and 5 j - 1 is 8 , what is the value of j ?

meanlinear equations

Explanation	Calculations	Help
$We translate the average condition: the sum of the five numbers equals 5 times 8.$	$j + (j + 5) + (2 j - 1) + (4 j - 2) + (5 j - 1) = 5 \times 8$
$We combine like terms by grouping the j terms and the constant terms.$	$j + j + 2 j + 4 j + 5 j + 5 - 1 - 2 - 1 = 40 13 j + 1 = 40$	Theory & Tactics Method Card EQUA1-A Click to view full details
$We isolate the term with j by subtracting 1 from both sides.$	$13 j + 1 - 1 = 40 - 1 13 j = 39$	Theory & Tactics Method Card EQUA1-B Click to view full details
$We solve for j by dividing both sides by 13.$	$j = \frac{39}{13} = 3$	Theory & Tactics Method Card EQUA1-C Click to view full details

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