Question

look at the following two grading systems:
grading system 1 | grading system 2
test average – 45% | test average – 25%
final exam grade – 20% | final exam grade – 25%
homework – 30% | homework – 25%
class participation – 5% | class participation – 25%

1. if your grades are the following, which grading system do you prefer and why? calculate your final grade. explain the difference between the two systems.

• test average – 80
• final exam grade – 75
• homework – 65
• class participation – 70

Explanation:

Step1: Calculate grade for System 1

Multiply each grade by its weight and sum:
\( 80 \times 0.45 + 75 \times 0.20 + 65 \times 0.30 + 70 \times 0.05 \)
\( = 36 + 15 + 19.5 + 3.5 = 74 \)

Step2: Calculate grade for System 2

Multiply each grade by its weight and sum:
\( 80 \times 0.25 + 75 \times 0.25 + 65 \times 0.25 + 70 \times 0.25 \)
\( = (80 + 75 + 65 + 70) \times 0.25 = 290 \times 0.25 = 72.5 \)

Step3: Compare and explain

System 1 gives 74, System 2 gives 72.5. Prefer System 1 as it has higher weight on test (stronger area) and lower on participation (weaker area), while System 2 weights all equally.

Answer:

Prefer Grading System 1. Final grade: System 1 = 74, System 2 = 72.5. System 1 weights test more (strength) and participation less (weakness); System 2 weights all equally.