Grades In Exercise 46, one of the student’s B grades gets changed to an A. What is the student’s new grade point average?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the grading scale used to calculate the grade point average (GPA). For example, A = 4.0, B = 3.0, C = 2.0, etc. Confirm the weights assigned to each grade.
2. Determine the total number of grades the student has, including the original B grade that is being changed to an A.
3. Calculate the total grade points before the change. Multiply the number of each grade by its corresponding grade point value and sum them up.
4. Adjust the total grade points by replacing one B grade (3.0) with an A grade (4.0). Subtract the grade points for the B and add the grade points for the A.
5. Divide the updated total grade points by the total number of grades to compute the new GPA. Use the formula: GPA = (Total Grade Points) / (Total Number of Grades).

Key Concepts

Grade Point Average (GPA)

Grade Point Average (GPA) is a numerical representation of a student's academic performance, calculated by assigning a point value to each grade and averaging these values. Typically, an A is worth 4.0 points, a B is worth 3.0 points, and other grades have corresponding values. The GPA is calculated by dividing the total grade points earned by the total number of credit hours attempted.

Impact of Grade Change

Changing a grade from B to A affects the overall GPA by increasing the total grade points earned. This change alters the numerator in the GPA calculation, potentially raising the average if the course has a significant weight in the total credit hours. Understanding how each grade contributes to the GPA is crucial for accurately determining the new average after a grade change.

Weighted vs. Unweighted GPA

GPA can be calculated as either weighted or unweighted. An unweighted GPA treats all courses equally, while a weighted GPA gives additional points for advanced courses (like honors or AP classes). Knowing whether the GPA in question is weighted or unweighted is essential for accurately calculating the new average after a grade change, as it influences the overall point distribution.