Set X consists of 5 integers and has median of 20 and a range of 20.
Set X consists of 5 integers and has median of 20 and a range of 20. What is the value of the greatest possible integer that can be present in the set?
Answer/Solution
20
Steps/Work
Note that both median and range do not restrict too many numbers in the set. Range is only concerned with the smallest and greatest. Median only cares about the middle.
Quick check of each option starting from the largest:
(E) 50
Range of 20 means the smallest integer will be 30. So 20 cannot lie in between and hence cannot be the median.
(D) 43
Range of 20 means the smallest integer will be 23. So 20 cannot lie in between and hence cannot be the median.
(C) 40
Range of 20 means the smallest integer will be 20. 20 can lie in between such as:
20, 20, 20, 20, 20
This is possible. Hence it is the greatest such number.
Answer (A)
Quick check of each option starting from the largest:
(E) 50
Range of 20 means the smallest integer will be 30. So 20 cannot lie in between and hence cannot be the median.
(D) 43
Range of 20 means the smallest integer will be 23. So 20 cannot lie in between and hence cannot be the median.
(C) 40
Range of 20 means the smallest integer will be 20. 20 can lie in between such as:
20, 20, 20, 20, 20
This is possible. Hence it is the greatest such number.
Answer (A)