document.write( "Question 519253: I have a 73 on a math test on a 100 question test, and my average in math is 83. If i add 5 points to the test will it make my average go up? \n" ); document.write( "

Algebra.Com's Answer #345485 by oberobic(2304) $\"\"$ $\"About$

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Your average is 83, so any score on a test that is less than 83 will bring your average down. Similarly, any score higher than 83 will bring your average up.
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\n" ); document.write( "A score of 73 will bring your average down. A score of 73+5 = 78 likewise will bring your average down, but not as much as a 73 will.
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\n" ); document.write( "As a general rule, never leave any points behind. Counteracting the effects of 78 is easier than correcting a 73.
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\n" ); document.write( "Consider students who fail to submit homework. They usually get a 0 for doing so. If they submitted a truly horrible homework, it is unlikely they would get a 0. Consider an excellent student who skips an entire assignment vs. turning in half of it on time.
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\n" ); document.write( "A (100 + 0) / 2 = 50, which is still a failing average.
\n" ); document.write( "A (100 + 50) /2 = 75, which may be passing average.
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\n" ); document.write( "Plus, turning in half an assignment lends credibility to whatever reason there is for not being able to complete the assignment on time. \n" ); document.write( "

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