Final answer:
The student must score at least 97 points on the fourth test to achieve an A in the course, calculated by determining the total points required and subtracting the accumulated points from the first three tests.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the score needed on the fourth test to achieve an A in the course, we first need to determine the total points required to average a 90% across all four tests. Since each test is worth 100 points, and an A requires a 90% average, the student needs 90% of 400 points, which amounts to 360 points in total.
Next, we add up the scores from the first three tests: 87 + 92 + 84 = 263 points. To find out what the student needs on the fourth test, we subtract the current accumulated points from the required total points: 360 - 263 = 97 points.
Therefore, the student must score at least 97 points on the fourth test to achieve an A in the course.