How to solve averages & word problems

Math & Logic

Translate a short scenario into the arithmetic that answers it.

Worked examples

Answers shown

Follow the steps on real items before you practise.

Example 1Difficulty 2

A train travels 180 km in 3 hours. At the same speed, how far will it travel in 5 hours?

Answer: C. Here is why:

Speed is 180 / 3 = 60 km/h. In 5 hours: 60 x 5 = 300 km.

Example 2Difficulty 3

The average of four numbers is 18. Three of them are 12, 20, and 22. What is the fourth number?

Answer: C. Here is why:

The total is 4 x 18 = 72. The three known numbers sum to 54. The fourth is 72 - 54 = 18.