Question

Consider the following 8 numbers, where one labelled x

is unknown. 40,32,17,x,21,50,20,25
Given that the range of the numbers is 69, work out 2 values of
x

Answer 1

Explanation:

The range is the difference between the highest and lowest values in a set of numbers. To find it, subtract the lowest number in the distribution from the highest.

we see that the visible 7 numbers have a range of 50-17 = 33.

that means that x has to make sure that the range really is 69.

so, we have indeed 2 choices : x can be the lowest value (with a difference of 69 to the highest value, 50), or x can be the highest value (with a difference of 69 to the lowest value, 17).

x as the lowest value :

x = 50 - 69 = -19

x as the highest value :

x = 17 + 69 = 86