A student scores 70, 85, and 90 on three exams. If the final exam is worth double and the student wants an average of 85, what score is needed on the final?

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 23:10:58 +0000

**Is A student scoring 70, 85, and 90 on three exams facing a pivotal final exam—worth double—and wants an overall average of 85? Here’s how to calculate the right score—without guessing, using real math.** In today’s fast-changing academic landscape, students often find themselves in high-stakes situations where each exam’s weight matters more than before. When one test counts double, and averages carry serious weight, understanding how to reach a target score becomes essential. This scenario is increasingly common: students pursue progress where previous performance doesn’t reflect final success potential—especially when standardized metrics carry extra leverage. With shifting educational priorities and growing interest in performance optimization, questions about strategic scoring have moved from niche to mainstream. Students navigating exams with weighted scoring frequently ask: *If I scored 70, 85, and 90 on earlier assessments and the final counts double, what grade do I need to earn to finish with an 85 average?* This query reflects a practical need—balancing past results with future goals in a clear, data-driven way. To solve this, let’s break down the average formula with current parameters: the first three exams count for 1 point each, and the final counts double, making it effectively 5 total score points. Let *x* be the desired final grade. The average equation becomes: