If 47a + 47b = 5452, what is the average of a and b?

Introduction / Context:
A linear equation of the form k(a + b) = value immediately reveals a + b when divided by k. The average is then (a + b) / 2. No individual values are required.

Given Data / Assumptions:
47a + 47b = 5452 ⇒ 47(a + b) = 5452.

Concept / Approach:
Compute a + b, then divide by 2 for the mean. This is an application of factoring out common coefficients in linear expressions.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Plugging back: 47 * 116 = 5452; the arithmetic checks out.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
116 is the sum, not the average; 23.5, 96 are unrelated to the computed values.

Common Pitfalls:
Reporting a + b instead of the average, or dividing 5452 by 2 first without removing the factor 47.

Final Answer:
58