The mean of the first five natural numbers is:

Question

The mean of the first five natural numbers is:

1. A. 5
2. B. 15/2
3. C. 3 (Correct answer)
4. D. None of the above

Correct Answer

Option C — 3

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is 3.

Key Points

• The first five natural numbers are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, which sum to 15.
• Mean = sum ÷ count = 15 ÷ 5 = 3.

Additional Information

• For the first n natural numbers, the sum is n(n+1)/2 and the mean is (n+1)/2 — here (5+1)/2 = 3.
• Because the numbers form an arithmetic progression, the mean is simply the middle term, which gives the answer instantly.
• Natural numbers start at 1; whole numbers include 0, which would change the mean to 2.