To determine the average melting point of helium, hydrogen, and neon, given their melting points as [tex]\( h \)[/tex], [tex]\( j \)[/tex], and [tex]\( k \)[/tex] respectively, we need to use the mathematical concept of finding the average of a set of numbers.
The average of a set of values is found by summing all the values present and then dividing that sum by the number of values.
Here’s a detailed step-by-step approach:
1. Identify the melting points:
- Helium: [tex]\( h \)[/tex]
- Hydrogen: [tex]\( j \)[/tex]
- Neon: [tex]\( k \)[/tex]
2. Sum the melting points:
To sum the melting points, we add them together:
[tex]\[ h + j + k \][/tex]
3. Count the number of elements:
There are three elements in this case - helium, hydrogen, and neon.
4. Divide by the number of elements:
To find the average, we divide the total sum by the number of elements:
[tex]\[ \frac{h + j + k}{3} \][/tex]
Now let’s look at the given options:
- Option A: [tex]\( h + j + k \)[/tex]
- This option gives the sum of the melting points but does not divide by the number of elements.
- Option B: [tex]\( h j k \)[/tex]
- This option suggests multiplying the melting points together, which is not the method for finding an average.
- Option C: [tex]\( \frac{h + j + k}{3} \)[/tex]
- This option correctly sums the melting points and then divides by 3, correctly calculating the average.
- Option D: [tex]\( \frac{h \pi}{3} \)[/tex]
- This option introduces [tex]\(\pi\)[/tex] (pi), which is irrelevant to calculating the average melting points of these elements.
Therefore, the correct algebraic expression to show the average melting points of helium, hydrogen, and neon is:
[tex]\[ \boxed{\frac{h + j + k}{3}} \][/tex]
The correct option is C.
