Question:

When 9 students took a zoology quiz with a possible score of 0 to 10, inclusive, their average (arithmetic mean) score was 7.5. If a tenth student takes the same quiz, what will be the least possible average score on the quiz for all 10 students?

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To minimize the average of a set when adding a new element, add the smallest possible value. To maximize the average, add the largest possible value. The core of these problems is always to work with the SUM, not the averages directly.
Updated On: Oct 1, 2025
  • 6.5
  • 6.75
  • 7.0
  • 7.25
  • 7.5
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The arithmetic mean is calculated as the sum of all values divided by the number of values. To find a new mean after adding a value, we first need to find the original sum. To find the least possible new average, we must assume the new value added is the least possible value.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
\[ \text{Average} = \frac{\text{Sum of scores}}{\text{Number of students}} \] Therefore,
\[ \text{Sum of scores} = \text{Average} \times \text{Number of students} \] Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
1. Find the sum of scores for the first 9 students.
We are given that the average score for 9 students is 7.5.
\[ \text{Sum}_9 = 7.5 \times 9 = 67.5 \] The total score of the first 9 students is 67.5.
2. Determine the score for the tenth student.
The question asks for the least possible average for all 10 students. To achieve the minimum possible new average, the tenth student must earn the minimum possible score on the quiz.
The possible scores range from 0 to 10. The least possible score is 0.
So, \(\text{Score}_{10} = 0\).
3. Calculate the new sum of scores for all 10 students.
The new sum is the original sum plus the score of the tenth student.
\[ \text{Sum}_{10} = \text{Sum}_9 + \text{Score}_{10} = 67.5 + 0 = 67.5 \] 4. Calculate the new average for the 10 students.
The new average is the new sum divided by the new number of students (10).
\[ \text{Average}_{10} = \frac{\text{Sum}_{10}}{10} = \frac{67.5}{10} = 6.75 \] Step 4: Final Answer:
The least possible average score for all 10 students is 6.75.
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