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: Sum=5×20=100\text{Sum} = 5 \times 20 = 100

Step 2: Denote the integers

Let the five integers be x1,x2,x3,x4,x5x_1, x_2, x_3, x_4, x_5, arranged in increasing order such that: x1x2x3x4x5x_1 \leq x_2 \leq x_3 \leq x_4 \leq x_5 The sum of these integers is: x1+x2+x3+x4+x5=100x_1 + x_2 + x_3 + x_4 + x_5 = 100

Step 3: Maximizing x5x_5

To maximize x5x_5, we need to minimize the other integers x1,x2,x3,x4x_1, x_2, x_3, x_4. The smallest possible values for these integers are 1, since the numbers must be positive integers. Hence, let: x1=x2=x3=x4=1x_1 = x_2 = x_3 = x_4 = 1

Step 4: Solve for x5x_5

Substitute x1=x2=x3=x4=1x_1 = x_2 = x_3 = x_4 = 1 into the sum equation: 1+1+1+1+x5=1001 + 1 + 1 + 1 + x_5 = 100 Simplifying: 4+x5=1004 + x_5 = 100 x5=1004=96x_5 = 100 - 4 = 96

Thus, the largest possible value of one of the integers is 96\boxed{96}.


Would you like to explore more about this problem, or do you have another question? Here are some related questions to consider:

  1. How would the solution change if we had 6 numbers instead of 5?
  2. What if the integers could be non-distinct (not necessarily in increasing order)?
  3. How can we generalize this problem for nn integers with a given mean?
  4. What is the smallest possible value of the largest number if we change the mean?
  5. 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!

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

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