Math Problem Statement
The mean of the 5 positive integers is 20. What is the largest possible value of one of these five numbers?
Solution
We are given that the mean of 5 positive integers is 20, and we need to determine the largest possible value of one of these integers.
Step 1: Sum of the numbers
Since the mean of the five integers is 20, the sum of the five integers is:
Step 2: Denote the integers
Let the five integers be , arranged in increasing order such that: The sum of these integers is:
Step 3: Maximizing
To maximize , we need to minimize the other integers . The smallest possible values for these integers are 1, since the numbers must be positive integers. Hence, let:
Step 4: Solve for
Substitute into the sum equation: Simplifying:
Thus, the largest possible value of one of the integers is .
Would you like to explore more about this problem, or do you have another question? Here are some related questions to consider:
- How would the solution change if we had 6 numbers instead of 5?
- What if the integers could be non-distinct (not necessarily in increasing order)?
- How can we generalize this problem for integers with a given mean?
- What is the smallest possible value of the largest number if we change the mean?
- How does the sum of the numbers relate to the possible values of individual numbers?
Tip: When maximizing or minimizing one number in a set, try to minimize the others as much as possible, within the given constraints!
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Averages
Sum of integers
Optimization
Formulas
Mean = Sum of values / Number of values
Sum of integers = 100
Theorems
Maximization by minimizing other variables
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 6-8