Mrs. Marcincavage allowed each student in her math class to drop the lowest of their five test scores. When Matthew dropped the lowest of his test scores, a 60, his test average increased by 5 points. What is Matthew’s new test average?

Question

Mrs. Marcincavage allowed each student in her math class to drop the lowest of their five test scores.  When Matthew dropped the lowest of his test scores, a 60, his test average increased by 5 points.   What is Matthew’s new test average?

Steve · Answer

If there were 5 tests, with average a, then compare total points earned: 5a - 60 = 4(a+5) 5a-60 = 4a+20 a = 80