The average of 5 consecutive even numbers is 20, what is the value of the lowest even number?

Step 1: Understand the problem The problem is asking for the smallest number in a set of 5 consecutive even numbers. We know that the average of these numbers is 20.

Step 2: Use the properties of consecutive even numbers Consecutive even numbers are always 2 units apart. For example, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 are consecutive even numbers.

Step 3: Use the properties of averages The average of a set of numbers is the sum of the numbers divided by the quantity of numbers. In this case, the average is 20, so the sum of the 5 numbers is 20 * 5 = 100.

Step 4: Identify the middle number Because the numbers are evenly spaced, the average will be the middle number. So, the middle number is 20.

Step 5: Find the smallest number Since the numbers are 2 units apart, the smallest number will be 2 units less than the second number and 4 units less than the middle number. So, the smallest number is 20 - 4 = 16.