A student scored 75%, 80%, and 85% on three tests. To achieve an average of at least 80% over four tests, what is the minimum score the student must achieve on the fourth test?

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 17:34:10 +0000

**A student scored 75%, 80%, and 85% on three tests. To achieve an average of at least 80% over four tests, what is the minimum score needed on the fourth test?**
This question reflects a common curiosity driving students, parents, and educators alike—how to maintain or boost academic performance across multiple assessments. In today’s fast-paced learning environment, understanding the balance between past results and future targets helps inform smarter study habits and realistic goal-setting.

Whether preparing for standardized exams, course evaluations, or personal progress tracking, many are asking: after three tests with scores of 75%, 80%, and 85%, what performance on the fourth test is necessary to secure an average of 80%? This inquiry taps into a key educational challenge: translating consistent gains into reliable outcomes.

To calculate the minimum score, let’s break the problem simply: an average of at least 80% over four tests means the total sum of scores divided by four must be no less than 80%. Multiply 80% by 4, and you get 320—the total required score across all four tests. Subtract the sum of the first three scores: 75 + 80 + 85 = 240. So, 320 – 240 = 80.

Thus, the student must score at least 80% on the fourth test to reach the 80% overall average. This straightforward math reveals both the target and the gap: exclusively staying at 80% or slightly above ensures success.

Parents, students, and educators benefit from clear, actionable insight—knowing the threshold encourages