Answer to GMAT Question #18

Here is the answer to GMAT Practice Question #18

Answer: C

Explanation:
The average of the three numbers is 44, so they must add up to 132.

We know the median is 42, so the numbers, arranged in order, look like:

x, 42, y

We want the smallest number that the largest number can be, meaning, we want the smallest value of y.

To get the smallest value of y, we need x to be as large as it can be. 42 is the median, which means it’s in the middle, but it does not mean that the largest x can be is 41. x can be 42 as well. If that is the case, then 42 + 42 + y = 132, or y = 48.

The answer and explanation to GMAT Practice Question #18 was written by Integrated Learning, a company that provides professional and private one on one tutoring services.