Which of the following CANNOT be the median of the 3 positive integers a, b, and c? Choose one.
A) a B) c C) a+c D) (a+c)/2 E) (a+c)/3
The median of a set with odd number of terms is justa middle term, so it's a, b or c. Eliminate A and B right away. Now, the median can also be (a+c)/2 and (a+c)/3 (for example: {1, 2, 3} and {1, 2, 5}).   But since a, b, and c are positive integers then it no way can be a+c . Why? Because a middle term (the median) cannot possibly be greater than two terms (a and c) in a set with 3 terms.   Answer: a+c.
<result>C</result>
Which of the following CANNOT be the median of the 3 positive integers a, b, and c?