David W. answered • 07/11/15
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4.7
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Experienced Prof
This problem is intended to help us understand averages. If the average of four tests is 85, that means that
(A+B+C+D)/4 = 85
Two scores are given, so
(75+80+C+D)/4 = 85
(75+80+C+D) = 340 (multiply both sides by 4)
C+D = 185 (subtract 155 from both sides)
Jim needs to get a total of 185 points on the last two tests. So, even if he gets 100 on one of them, the lowest score that he can get on the other is 85. (note: always re-read the question to check that you answered it)
David W.
Agreed. And, THX for early Sat morning hours! Your answers are usually quite good; I enjoy reading them.
However, both problems and answers have appeared here and in textbooks and in classes and on tests ... that closely resemble other problems and answers. That's because we learn by (1) repetition, (2) repetition, and (3) ... (well, you know). That's why evaluated practice makes perfect.
Actually, I had thought about including a description using inequalities, but decided not to include that based on the student's other questions.
p.s., I suspect that tutors read the answers on this forum much more closely than students do.
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07/11/15
Andrew M.
You're probably correct in that assessment. It's a shame, but I see the same students posting the same type of questions repeatedly. Well, we can but try my friend.
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07/11/15
David W.
I usually read the students previous posts before even deciding to answer the question. WyzAnt monitors the forum and says that they keep it from violating their honesty policy. WyzAnt has been excellent in responding to my questions/comments. In response to someone's suggestion WyzAnt is working on a tutor's only forum -- I might talk with you there someday.
I've realized that many people can recognize a problem. Then, they either (1) complain, (2) just accept it, or (3) do what they can to solve it. Now, the problem-solvers proceed to (a) analyze the current situation, (b) brainstorm various solutions, (c) list advantages/disadvantages of options, perform SWOT analysis, do a risk assessment, ... or just try something different. With the situation of students wanting "quick answers," "easy answers," or just avoiding the effort of homework, some tutors have given general guidance for attacking the problem, then left it up to student to actually "get the answer." Some tutors have simply given very short, sweet answers. Sometimes, tutors include verbose explanations (so the student will have to read it all to find the answer embedded in the explanation). I appreciate the answers that give notes about the context or encourage the student to learn something other than the problem requires.
Computer forums are only partially interactive -- so are chat rooms, etc. WyzAnt established this forum to provide free help in order to entice students to find tutors here (and to boost their constituency). Wouldn't it be cool if a student could connect to an on-line tutor (when available) like many web site help desks do. Note: WyzAnt has experimented with a pop-up box to help students find a tutor, but that does not directly connect student to tutor.
Now, to the tutors who read questions and post answers (because they love students and love teaching) -- THX !!
Especially at unusual hours (note: one of my reasons for following this forum was to get a feel for when students do their homework -- in multiple time zones -- because I also do tutoring on another site and I'm working on my own learning management material for student/teacher training. I've observed some definite patterns here as you have.
I'm planning to do more than "try" to change student involvement/engagement/success; I expecting to see statistically significant change.
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07/11/15
Andrew M.
07/11/15