Calculating p/n: Solving for the Ratio of Two Averages in a Mental Lapse

  • Thread starter courtrigrad
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In summary, the conversation discusses finding the ratio between two groups of students based on their average scores and a known average score of the combined groups. The final result is p/n = 3/8, but without knowing the specific values of p or n, the ratio cannot be simplified further. The conversation also mentions that staying up all night may have contributed to a mental lapse.
  • #1
courtrigrad
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Hello all

I am having a little mental lapse.

If the average score of p students is 70 and the average score of n students is 92, and the average of the scores of p and n is 86, what is p/n?

(70p + 92n)/ ( p + n ) = 86

70p + 92n = 86(p+n)

70p + 92n = 86p +86n
92n = 16p + 86n
6n = 16p
p = 3/8n
n= 8/3p

Where do I go from here (sorry was awake for whole night)

Thanks
 
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  • #2
Unless you're given either n or p, you're done. You have the ratio between n and p.

If n is 24 students, then p is 9 students; if n is 48 students, then p is 18 students, etc.
 
  • #3
You're 'home'. :smile:If
[tex] p=\frac{3}{8}n [/tex]
,then
[tex]\frac{p}{n}=\frac{3}{8} [/tex]

,okay??

Daniel.
 
  • #4
lol

thanks dextercioby

guess it was because i stayed up
 

1. What is p/n and why is it important in calculating the ratio of two averages?

P/n stands for "population over number of samples" and is used to represent the size of the entire population compared to the number of samples being used in a calculation. It is important in calculating the ratio of two averages because it helps to account for the variability and representativeness of the data being used.

2. How do you calculate p/n?

P/n can be calculated by dividing the total population by the number of samples being used. For example, if the total population is 100 and the number of samples is 10, p/n would be 100/10 = 10.

3. What is the purpose of solving for the ratio of two averages in a mental lapse?

The purpose of solving for the ratio of two averages in a mental lapse is to understand the frequency and severity of mental lapses in a specific population. By comparing the average performance during a mental lapse to the average performance without a mental lapse, we can gain insights into the impact of these lapses on overall performance and identify potential areas for improvement.

4. What are the potential limitations of calculating p/n in mental lapse studies?

One potential limitation of calculating p/n is that it assumes the samples used in the study are representative of the entire population. If the sample is not truly representative, the results may not accurately reflect the larger population. Additionally, p/n does not account for other factors that may influence the results, such as individual differences or external variables.

5. How can the results of calculating p/n be interpreted in mental lapse studies?

The results of calculating p/n can be interpreted by comparing the ratio of two averages to a predetermined benchmark or standard. If the ratio is higher than the benchmark, it may indicate a higher frequency or severity of mental lapses in the population being studied. However, further analysis and consideration of other factors is necessary to accurately interpret the results and draw conclusions.

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