Average salary of 15 employees — which statements suffice? I. Average salary of 7 clerical employees is $8,500. II. Average salary of 5 officer employees is $10,000. III. Average salary of 3 sub-staff employees is $2,500.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: All I, II and III together

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
The task is to decide which statements are sufficient to compute the overall average salary of 15 employees, given subgroup averages and subgroup sizes.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Total headcount = 15 (7 clerical, 5 officers, 3 sub-staff).
  • I: Average of 7 clerical = $8,500.
  • II: Average of 5 officers = $10,000.
  • III: Average of 3 sub-staff = $2,500.


Concept / Approach:
The combined average is a weighted mean: (Σ subgroup_total) / 15, where each subgroup_total = (subgroup_avg * subgroup_count). To compute the overall average uniquely, we need all subgroup totals (or an equivalent).


Step-by-Step Solution:

From I: total clerical pay = 7 * 8,500 = 59,500.From II: total officer pay = 5 * 10,000 = 50,000.From III: total sub-staff pay = 3 * 2,500 = 7,500.Grand total = 59,500 + 50,000 + 7,500 = 117,000.Overall average = 117,000 / 15 = $7,800.


Verification / Alternative check:
Missing any one subgroup leaves an unknown portion of the total, preventing a unique overall average.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Only I / Only II / Only III: Insufficient; partial data.
  • Any two: Still leaves the third subgroup unknown.


Common Pitfalls:
Assuming the remaining subgroup can be deduced; it cannot without additional constraints.


Final Answer:
All I, II and III together

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