Questions: Gerald had scores of 85, 97, 94, and 100 on four exams in his algebra class. What score will he need on his fifth exam to have an overall average of 95? (All exams have a maximum of 100 points.)

Solution Steps

To find the score Gerald needs on his fifth exam to achieve an overall average of 95, we first calculate the total score required for five exams to average 95. Then, we subtract the sum of his current scores from this total to find the score needed on the fifth exam.

To achieve an average score of 95 across five exams, the total score needed is calculated as follows: \[ \text{Total Score Needed} = \text{Desired Average} \times \text{Number of Exams} = 95 \times 5 = 475 \]

The sum of Gerald's current scores is: \[ \text{Current Total} = 85 + 97 + 94 + 100 = 376 \]

To find the score needed on the fifth exam, subtract the sum of the current scores from the total score needed: \[ \text{Score Needed} = \text{Total Score Needed} - \text{Current Total} = 475 - 376 = 99 \]

Final Answer