Question

A friend has a 85% average before the final exam for a course. That score includes everything but the final, which counts for 30% of the course grade.

What is the best course grade your friend can earn?

What is the minimum score your friend would need on the final to earn a 75% for the course?

(Give answers accurate to at least one decimal place.)

Answer 1

GIVEN

Your friend's 80% average now represents 85% of the overall grade. This is because we are aware that the final, which is worth 15%, is the only thing left.

SOLUTION

If your friend receives a 100 on the final, they will receive the highest possible course grade:

• 0.85(80%) + 0.15(100%) = 83%. The course's highest achievable grade is 83%.

The following equation must be solved for "f," the result of the final test, in order to obtain a score of 75:

• 0.85(80%) + 0.15(f) = 75%
• 68% + 0.15f = 75%
• 0.15f = 7%
• f = 46.67%

A final grade of 46.67% is required in order to receive a course passing grade of 75%.