Why the answer is B, and why the others tempt you.
**The reasoning**
The **mean** (or average) is the sum of all values divided by how many values you have.
Here's the calculation:
- Sum = 4 + 8 + 12 = 24
- Count = 3 numbers
- Mean = 24 ÷ 3 = **8**
Think of it like sharing money equally: if you have ₦24 to share among 3 people, each gets ₦8.
**Why the wrong options tempt you**
**A) 6** – You might subtract instead of adding, or divide by the wrong number (24 ÷ 4 = 6). The trap is using 4 (the first number) as your divisor instead of 3 (the count).
**C) 10** – This looks like the "middle" between 4 and 12, but that's just finding the midpoint of two numbers, not the mean of all three.
**D) 12** – You might pick the largest number by mistake, forgetting that mean requires actual calculation.
**Quick takeaway**
Mean = Add everything up, then divide by how many numbers you counted—always verify your "how many" is correct!
Want this in Pidgin, Yoruba, Igbo or Hausa? Sign up free →
Practice more Quantitative Reasoning questions
GRE Quantitative Reasoning has thousands more questions like this — with AI explanations on every one.