Question:

Consider a set of \(3n\) numbers having variance 4. In this set, the mean of first \(2n\) numbers is 6 and the mean of the remaining \(n\) numbers is 3. A new set is constructed by adding 1 into each of first \(2n\) numbers, and subtracting 1 from each of the remaining \(n\) numbers. If the variance of the new set is \(k\), then \(9k\) is equal to __________.

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Find the overall mean (5) and \(\sum x^2\) from the variance, then compute the new \(\sum x'^2\) and the new mean.
Updated On: Nov 4, 2026
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Correct Answer: 68

Solution and Explanation

Original mean \(= \frac{2n\cdot6 + n\cdot3}{3n} = 5\). Variance 4 gives \(\frac{\sum x^2}{3n} = 4 + 25 = 29\), so \(\sum x^2 = 87n\).
Sum of first 2n numbers \(= 12n\); sum of last n numbers \(= 3n\).
New set: \(\sum x'^2 = \sum_{first}(x+1)^2 + \sum_{last}(x-1)^2 = \sum x^2 + 2(12n) + 2n - 2(3n) + n = 87n + 24n + 2n - 6n + n = 108n\).
New mean \(= \frac{(12n + 2n) + (3n - n)}{3n} = \frac{16}{3}\).
\(k = \frac{108n}{3n} - \left(\frac{16}{3}\right)^2 = 36 - \frac{256}{9} = \frac{68}{9}\).
\(9k = 68\).
Answer: 68
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