If x and y are positive integers and the mean of 4, 20, and x is equal to the mean of y and 16, what is the smallest possible value of x + y ?

5

Step-by-step explanation:

(4+20+x) / 3 = (y+16) / 2

2 (24+x) = 3 (y+16)

48 + 2x = 3y + 48

2x = 3y

Since x and y are positive integers, they can't be 0. To satisfy 2x = 3y

We'll have to use LCM of 2 and 3, which is 6 (or a multiple of 6)

For the least value, we use 6

To make both sides 6,

x = 3 and y = 2

Hence x + y = 5