Coursework counts for 40 percent of a grade and the final exam counts for 60 percent. A student averages 85 on coursework and scores 90 on the final. What is the course grade?

Correct answer to question 45 (Arithmetic Reasoning): 88

Method

Each score is worth its weight, so multiply before adding. Coursework contributes 0.40 x 85 = 34 and the final contributes 0.60 x 90 = 54, giving 88. A plain average of 85 and 90 would give 87.5, which ignores the heavier weight on the final.