Fred picked four numbers out of a hat. The average of the four numbers is 9. If three of the numbers are 5, 9 and 12, then what is the fourth number? Solution Let the four numbers be: 5, 9, 12, and x Given the average of the four number is 9. We know that the average: Av. = (sum of all numbers)/ total number of numbers ==> 9 = (5+9+12+x)/4 ==> 9 = (26+ x)/4 Multiply by 4: ==> 36 = 26 + x ==> x= 36- 26= 10 ==> the fourth number = 10.