Calculate the mean of the following set of numbers: [tex] x, x+3, x-5, 2x, 3x [/tex].

Given that the mean is [tex] 3x [/tex], determine the value of [tex] x [/tex].



Answer :

Certainly! Let's break down the solution step-by-step.

1. List the terms:
The terms given are:
[tex]\[ x,\ x + 3,\ x - 5,\ 2x,\ 3x \][/tex]

2. Calculate the mean of the terms:
To find the mean, sum all the terms and then divide by the number of terms.

First, the sum of the terms:
[tex]\[ x + (x + 3) + (x - 5) + 2x + 3x = x + x + 3 + x - 5 + 2x + 3x \][/tex]
Simplify the sum:
[tex]\[ x + x + x + 2x + 3x + 3 - 5 = 8x - 2 \][/tex]

Now, divide by the number of terms. There are 5 terms:
[tex]\[ \text{Mean} = \frac{8x - 2}{5} \][/tex]

3. Set the mean equal to [tex]$3x$[/tex]:
According to the problem, the mean of these terms is equal to [tex]$3x$[/tex]:
[tex]\[ \frac{8x - 2}{5} = 3x \][/tex]

4. Solve for [tex]$x$[/tex]:
To solve for [tex]$x$[/tex], start by eliminating the fraction by multiplying both sides of the equation by 5:
[tex]\[ 8x - 2 = 15x \][/tex]

Next, isolate [tex]$x$[/tex]. Subtract [tex]$8x$[/tex] from both sides of the equation:
[tex]\[ -2 = 15x - 8x \][/tex]
Simplify:
[tex]\[ -2 = 7x \][/tex]

Finally, divide both sides by 7:
[tex]\[ x = \frac{-2}{7} \][/tex]

Hence, the solution is:
[tex]\[ x = -\frac{2}{7} \][/tex]

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