2004 AMC 8 Problem 11

Attempt Problem 11 of the 2004 AMC 8 below, then check your answer against the professionally curated solution from LIVE by Po-Shen Loh. You can also try the full timed exam, view all 2004 AMC 8 solutions, or check the answer key.

All problems are used with official legal permission of the Mathematical Association of America (MAA).

11.

The numbers −2,-2, 4,4, 6,6, 99 and 1212 are rearranged according to these rules:
1.1. The largest isn’t first, but it is in one of the first three places.
2.2. The smallest isn’t last, but it is in one of the last three places.
3.3. The median isn’t first or last.
What is the average of the first and last numbers?
3.53.5
55
6.56.5
7.57.5
88
Answer: C
Concepts:logical deductionmean
Small hint:
Use the rules to locate the largest, smallest, and median numbers.
Big hint:
The first and last positions are filled by the two remaining numbers.
Solution:
Note that the largest, smallest, and median numbers cannot be the first or last number.
This means that the first and last numbers are 44 and 99 in some order. Their average is (4+9)÷2=13÷2=6.5. (4 + 9) \div 2 = 13 \div 2 = 6.5.
Thus, C is the correct answer.
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