7th grade Pre-Algebra

[csprice]

If you know that the mean change for the five stops is -3, then at Ash St., did more people get on the bus or off the bus? How many more?

Table: STOP Elm St. Oak St. Ash St. Maple St. Cedar St.
CHANGE 12 -8 -4 5
I have tried averaging and dividing by 5 still don't think its right, so I am seeking outside help for my daughters math problem.
Please assist if possible, I keep having the feeling that somehow there is not enough info. to solve this.

 

[Deleted member 4993]

If you know that the mean change for the five stops is -3, then at Ash St., did more people get on the bus or off the bus? How many more?

Table:  STOP     Elm St.      Oak St.   Ash St.    Maple St.    Cedar St.
        CHANGE     12           -8          x       -4              5

I have tried averaging and dividing by 5 still don't think its right, so I am seeking outside help for my daughters math problem.
Please assist if possible, I keep having the feeling that somehow there is not enough info. to solve this.

There is enough info.

(12-8+x-4+5)/5 = -3

Now solve for 'x'...

 

[csprice]

Thank you so much, your help is greatly appreciated.

 

[csprice]

Ok so this is what I am getting : (12-8+x-4+5)/5= -3 then 5 x/5= -3(5) then x = -15. Please let me know if I have executed this problem correctly. Thanks!!!!!

 

[Deleted member 4993]

Ok so this is what I am getting : (12-8+x-4+5)/5= -3 then 5 x/5= -3(5) then x = -15. Please let me know if I have executed this problem correctly _ incorrect see below. Thanks!!!!!

(12-8+x-4+5)/5= -3

(5 + x)/5 = -3

5 + x = -15

x = -15 -5

x = -20 ... so twenty (20) people got-off at Ash.

check:

(12 -8 -20 -4 +5)/5 = (-15)/5 = -3 .... checks

 

[csprice]

Thanks again for all your help as you can see I am definitely not a math person.