SOLUTION: If a + b = 3, b + c = 5, and a + c = 8, what is the average (arithmetic mean) of a, b, and c? Please explain how to approach and solve this problem. Thanks!

Algebra ->  Average -> SOLUTION: If a + b = 3, b + c = 5, and a + c = 8, what is the average (arithmetic mean) of a, b, and c? Please explain how to approach and solve this problem. Thanks!      Log On


   

Question 474817: If a + b = 3, b + c = 5, and a + c = 8, what is the average (arithmetic mean) of a, b, and c?
Please explain how to approach and solve this problem. Thanks!
Answer by richard1234(7193) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Add all three equations to get

2a + 2b + 2c = 3 + 5 + 8 = 16

The average of a,b,c is (a+b+c)/3, so if we divide both sides of the equation by 6 we obtain our desired result

(2a + 2b + 2c)/6 = 16/6

(a + b + c)/3 = 8/3