Can I still finish with a decent grade in a class where I've failed 1 of 2 midterms? See Detail?

Question

In the course so far: (my score, exam weight)
Midterm 1 - 61%, 25%
Midterm 2 - 39%, 35%
Midterm 3 - N/A, 35%

It is a 3 credit course. Based on my performance to this point, with an improved work ethic/attitude, what is the best possible grade I can hope for?

Answer 1

Your grade so far, based on the first 2 midterms, is



((61 * 25) + (39 * 35))/(25 + 35) = (1525 + 1365)/60 = 2890/60 = (approximately) 48%



It's not just (61 + 39)/2 because the two tests have different weights.



If we let x be your grade on midterm 3 and y be your grade on whatever that remaining 5% comes from, then your final grade will be



(61 * 0.25) + (39 * 0.35) + (x * 0.35) + (y * 0.05)



(Do you see where I got each of those numbers? That's how you calculate a final grade based on grades in various categories with various weights.)



Since 61 * 0.25 = 15.25 and 39 * 0.35 = 13.65, and since 15.25 + 13.65 = 28.9,



(61 * 0.25) + (39 * 0.35) + (x * 0.35) + (y * 0.05) = 28.9 + 0.35x + 0.05y



Let's assume that you get a perfect score on both your 3rd midterm and on whatever that last 5% of your grade is. That's the best you can possibly do, so the best grade you can possibly still earn is



28.9 + (100 * 0.35) + (100 * 0.05)



which, of course, is equal to



28.9 + 35 + 5



which is



68.9



That's the best you can do mathematically. However, it is relatively unlikely that a student who has a grade of 48% before the 3rd midterm will score 100% on that 3rd midterm, so the best you can do based on my knowledge of human beings is a bit less than 68.9%.



Good luck on the test.

Answer 2

The three mid terms only total too 95% of the course score. Not sure how you earn the last 5%.

Be that as it may, you will not earn a quality grade in this course. Assuming you are at university, my recommendation would be to drop the failing course, retake the course in the future, and invest the time you free up in other courses you are now taking. If you are in high school you will need to take the course again in summer school.

Answer 3

There's 5% somewhere else that's not accounted for. But assuming you get 100% on that 5% and the 3rd midterm, the best you can hope to get is 69%.

Answer 4

You didn't just fail one midterm; you did poorly on both of them, even if you did pass the first one. Even if you ace the third midterm, the average of the three midterms is going to be below 70% (whatever grade that is).

Answer 5

If you want to know your grade so far then add the numbers together (61 + 39), then divide by 2. You'll have your average. YOu should also talk to the professor and see what you could do....and where to go if you need extra help.