8. This question refers to the graph below, which shows admissions to a hospital during a given week. What was the average number of admissions over Friday, Saturday, and Sunday?
Answer: C
The average number of admissions over Friday, Saturday, and Sunday was 40.
To determine the average number of admissions over the specified days, one must sum the admissions for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and then divide by three. The calculations reveal that the average number of admissions equals 40.
A) 36
Option A is incorrect as it underestimates the average number of admissions over the three days. The actual figures for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday total to a higher number, leading to an average that exceeds 36.
B) 37
Option B is also incorrect because it is lower than the calculated average. The admissions data for the weekend clearly indicate that the average should be higher than 37 based on the total admissions recorded.
C) 40
This option is correct as it reflects the accurate average of admissions on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. By summing the total admissions for these three days and dividing by three, one arrives at this precise average.
D) 43
Option D is incorrect as it overestimates the average number of admissions. The data indicates that the total does not support an average as high as 43, making this option inaccurate.
Conclusion
The correct answer of 40 is derived from accurately calculating the average number of admissions over the specified days, confirming that this figure is consistent with the data presented. All other options fail to reflect the true average, either by underestimating or overestimating the total admissions recorded for the weekend.