Calculating a Weighted Mean for GPA Calculation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating a weighted mean for GPA calculation, specifically addressing a problem involving the assignment of point values to letter grades and the corresponding credit hours for each course. Participants are exploring the correct application of the weighted mean formula in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a problem involving GPA calculation based on a weighted mean, detailing the grades and credit hours for each course.
  • The same participant computes a GPA of 2.7 but believes the correct answer is 2.5, expressing uncertainty about the discrepancy.
  • Another participant requests to see the work leading to the computed GPA.
  • The original poster shares their calculation, which involves a weighted mean formula but lacks appropriate parentheses, leading to potential misinterpretation of the expression.
  • A later reply suggests that the original poster's work appears correct aside from the formatting issue, implying that the provided answer of 2.5 may be erroneous.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correctness of the computed GPA or the provided answer, with some suggesting the possibility of an error in the given answer.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights a potential misunderstanding related to the application of parentheses in the weighted mean formula, which may affect the calculation outcome. There is also an unresolved question regarding the accuracy of the provided answer of 2.5.

jridgeman99
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Hello, yes. I have a question pertaining to probability and statistics and it concerns finding a weighted mean which is shown through calculating a GPA. In this context it pertains to a review I'm doing and I can't figure out how I'm getting it wrong. I may be missing something rather little but I don't know. The problem consists of the following information saying the common system for determining a GPA assigns 4 points to an A, 3 points to a B,2 points to a C,1 point to a D, and 0 points to an F. Furthermore, what is the GPA of a student who gets an A in a 2 credit course, a B in each of three 3 credit courses, a C in a 3 credit course, and a D in a 4 credit course? For my answer I get that the computed GPA is 2.7 however the actual answer is 2.5 but I cannot figure out how.
 
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Hello jridgeman99 and welcome to MHB.

Can you post your work?
 
Yes, my work is as follows:

The weighted mean formula would be

4*2 + 3*3 + 2*3 + 1*4/ 4+3+2+1
 
Other than a lack of appropriate parentheses I don't see anything wrong with your work. It's entirely possible that the given answer is in error.
 

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