SOLUTION: the average of the test scores of a class of x students is 74 and the average of the test scores of a class of y students is 88. When the scores of both classes are combined the av

Algebra ->  Average -> SOLUTION: the average of the test scores of a class of x students is 74 and the average of the test scores of a class of y students is 88. When the scores of both classes are combined the av      Log On


   

Question 402971: the average of the test scores of a class of x students is 74 and the average of the test scores of a class of y students is 88. When the scores of both classes are combined the average is 76. What is the value of x/y?
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The sum of the x students test scores is 74x since dividing this by 'x' students gives you an average of 74. Likewise, the sum of the y students test scores is 88y


So because the "combined the average is 76", we know that %2874x%2B88y%29%2F%28x%2By%29=76 (ie add the sums of both groups and divide that new bigger sum by the total number of students x+y)


I'll let you take it from here. Since there is an explicit relationship between x and y (shown in the equation above), you can solve for either variable and substitute it into x%2Fy and reduce it into some constant number. Note: either variable you solve for will give you the same answer.


Let me know if you still need help.