The average of $2, x$ and 12 is 8 . What is the value of $x$ ?
(A) 8
(B) -2
(C) 12
(D) 24
(E) 10
Solution 1

Since the average of $2, x$ and 12 is 8 ,

$$
\begin{aligned}
\frac{2+x+12}{3} & =8 \\
14+x & =24 \\
x & =10
\end{aligned}
$$

## Solution 2

Since the average of three numbers is 8 , their sum must be 24 . Since the sum of $2, x$ and 12 is 24 , then $x$ must be 10 .

Answer: (E)