The mean of five observations x, x + 2, x + 4, x + 6, x + 8 is m. What is the mean of the first three observations?

  1. A. m
  2. B. m-1
  3. C. m-2
  4. D. m-3

Correct Answer: C. m-2

Explanation

Since the observations form an arithmetic progression, their mean is the middle term: m = x + 4. The mean of the first three observations (x, x + 2, x + 4) is their middle term, which is x + 2. Since x + 2 = (x + 4) - 2, the new mean is m - 2.

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