if the weight of five puppies in kilograms are 3.5, 3.0, 4.2, 5.0 and 4.3, then mean weight of the puppies is?

Analyze the question: We need the mean (average) weight of five puppies.

Concept: Mean = (Sum of all values) ÷ (Number of values)

Solution:

Sum = 3.5 + 3.0 + 4.2 + 5.0 + 4.3

• 3.5 + 3.0 = 6.5
• 6.5 + 4.2 = 10.7
• 10.7 + 5.0 = 15.7
• 15.7 + 4.3 = 20.0

Mean = 20.0 ÷ 5 = 4.0 kg

Answer: The mean weight is 4.0 kg, which is option B.

Tip: When adding decimals, add step by step or group numbers that make round totals (e.g., 3.5 + 4.3 + 4.2 + 3.0 + 5.0). Also, the mean must lie between the smallest (3.0) and largest (5.0) values, so you can quickly rule out any option outside that range. Always double-check by multiplying your mean by the count: 4.0 × 5 = 20.0, which matches the sum.