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Problem-Solving and Data AnalysisMediumMean from percentages of a group

Problem-Solving and Data Analysis practice question

In a class, 40% of the students scored 60 on a test and the remaining 60% scored 85. What is the mean score for the class?

Answer: 75

Weight each score by its share: 0.40 × 60 + 0.60 × 85 = 24 + 51 = 75.

Common wrong answers

If you answered 70
70 weights the scores the wrong way round (0.6 × 60 + 0.4 × 85).
If you answered 145
145 is 60 + 85, the two scores added with no weighting.
If you answered 72.5
72.5 is the plain average of 60 and 85, ignoring that more students scored 85.

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