Solving for the 6th Number in a Sequence

Solving for the 6th Number in a Sequence

The given problem involves determining the 6th number in a sequence of 9 numbers where certain averages of subgroups of these numbers are provided. This type of problem is common in arithmetic and algebra. Let's walk through a step-by-step solution using the given data.

Understanding the Problem

We are given the following information about a sequence of 9 numbers:

The average of all 9 numbers is 30. The average of the first 5 numbers is 25. The average of the last 3 numbers is 35.

The key is to find the value of the 6th number in this sequence.

Step-by-Step Solution

Total Sum of 9 Numbers

The average of the 9 numbers is 30.

Equation: [frac{a_1 a_2 a_3 a_4 a_5 a_6 a_7 a_8 a_9}{9} 30]

Calculation: [a_1 a_2 a_3 a_4 a_5 a_6 a_7 a_8 a_9 30 times 9 270]

Total Sum of the First 5 Numbers

The average of the first 5 numbers is 25.

Equation: [frac{a_1 a_2 a_3 a_4 a_5}{5} 25]

Calculation: [a_1 a_2 a_3 a_4 a_5 25 times 5 125]

Total Sum of the Last 3 Numbers

The average of the last 3 numbers is 35.

Equation: [frac{a_7 a_8 a_9}{3} 35]

Calculation: [a_7 a_8 a_9 35 times 3 105]

Calculating the 6th Number

To find the 6th number, we use the total sum of all 9 numbers and subtract the sums of the first 5 and the last 3 numbers.

Calculation: [a_6 270 - 125 - 105 40]

Thus, the 6th number in the sequence is 40.

Verification

To verify our solution, let's check the sum of the numbers:

Total of first 5 numbers 125

Total of last 3 numbers 105

Total of all 9 numbers 270

Total of 6th number 270 - 125 - 105 40

This confirms our solution is correct.

Concluding Remarks

Through systematic calculation and verification, we can find the 6th number in a sequence given certain averages. Understanding how to manipulate and apply the concept of averages and sums is crucial in solving such problems.

Keywords: average, arithmetic sequence, number sequence