Word problem

Question

A basketball player averages 21 points per game for the first 8 games of the season. If he is held
scoreless in the next two games, how many average points per game must he score in his final 6
games in order to complete the season with an overall average of 21 points per game?

Answer 1

There are 16 games in total, so we need the average of the 16 games to be 21 points. However, we already have the first 8 match our target average of 21 points per game.

 

This means, we only have to look at the last 8 games (which must also have an average of 21.)

 

For the first 2 games, we have a score of 0.

 

(2*0 + (sum of next six games))/8 = 21 [This formula represents the average of the second eight games. To find the average, we add up the total points in each game and divide by the number of games.]

 

0 + (sum of next six games) = 168

 

The total amount of points he scored in the final six games is 168, so his average score over those games is 168/6, or 28.

 

 

Answer 2

If he averages 21 points for 8 games, he's scored 21(8) = 168 total points.

 

To average 21 points over 16 games, he has to score 21(16) = 336 points.

 

336 - 168 = 168 points to score over 6 games.

 

168/6 = 28

 

He must average 28 points over his last 6 games.