Calculate Javier's Weighted Exam Score: Solve for x when 0.55x + 0.45(76) = 84

Question

How much does Javier score on the first exam that has a weight of 55%, given that he scores 76 on the second exam and his final average is 84?

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve this problem, we'll proceed with the following steps:

  • Step 1: Define the weights and scores for each exam.
  • Step 2: Formulate the equation for the weighted average.
  • Step 3: Solve the equation for x x , the unknown score on the first exam.

Now, let's work through each step:

Step 1: We know:

  • Weight of the first exam: 0.55 0.55
  • Weight of the second exam: 0.45 0.45
  • Score on the second exam: 76 76
  • Final average score: 84 84
  • Unknown score (first exam): Let it be x x

Step 2: We use the weighted average formula:

84=0.55×x+0.45×76 84 = 0.55 \times x + 0.45 \times 76

Step 3: Now solve for x x .

First, calculate the contribution of the second exam:

0.45×76=34.2 0.45 \times 76 = 34.2

Substitute this back into the equation:

84=0.55×x+34.2 84 = 0.55 \times x + 34.2

Subtract 34.2 from both sides to solve for 0.55×x 0.55 \times x :

8434.2=0.55×x 84 - 34.2 = 0.55 \times x 49.8=0.55×x 49.8 = 0.55 \times x

Finally, divide both sides by 0.55 to isolate x x :

x=49.80.55 x = \frac{49.8}{0.55}

Calculate the result:

x90.55 x \approx 90.55

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 90.55 \mathbf{90.55} .

Answer

90.55 90.55