Final answer:
The least number of letter grades earned by 4 or more students in this class is A: 8 students, B: 8 students, C: 8 students, D: 4 students, F: 4 students.
Step-by-step explanation:
In order to determine the least number of letter grades earned by 4 or more students in this class, we need to consider the maximum number of students that can earn the same grade. According to the given grading policy, no more than 8 students can earn the same grade. Therefore, we can start with the assumption that 8 students earned the highest grade, which would be an A. Then, we can continue assigning grades to students until we have reached at least 4 students for a particular grade.
Let's go step by step:
- Assign the highest grade of A to 8 students.
- Assign the next highest grade, which is B, to another 8 students.
- Assign the next highest grade, which is C, to another 8 students.
- Assign the next highest grade, which is D, to another 4 students.
- Assign the remaining students the lowest grade, which is F.
Therefore, the least number of letter grades earned by 4 or more students in this class is:
- A: 8 students
- B: 8 students
- C: 8 students
- D: 4 students
- F: 4 students