How to Find Out the Needed Final Test Score to Pass a Class

In a recent trend, some school teachers are allowing students the option to forego the final test of the semester as a reward for certain accomplishments. In some cases, though, the student can't just sit out the mid-term or final. He needs to pull a certain score to lift his grade above failing and pass the class. If you're worried that you may need to ace that final to survive and pass the class, there's a simple formula to help. If that final test is in algebra...well, then you can use the formula itself as practice.

Instructions

1. Determine your current grade in the class. Most schools now provide up-to-date grade information online for students and parents. If you cannot access the information remotely, simply ask the teacher or professor how you are currently faring in the class.

2. Determine what percentage of your total grade is comprised of the score on the final test. Many teachers give exceptional weight to the grade on a mid-term or final. While the amount varies, finals and mid-terms usually make up 10 to 50 percent of the total grade.

3. Determine what grade constitutes passing. This also varies from school to school and in some cases from grade to grade, but a passing grade is generally 60 or 70 percent.

4. Insert your known numbers into the following formula:
   G= (D-C(1-P))/P

   G is the grade you will need on the final test.
   C is the grade you're currently carrying in the class.
   D stands for what your school has determined as a passing grade. This should be 60 or 70.
   P is the percentage of the total grade for which the final test counts.
   Both C and D should be whole numbers, while a decimal should be used for P.

5. Calculate the necessary final grade, using a calculator if needed. For an example, let's assume your current grade is 65, the final test is worth 30 percent of the final grade, and a 70 is needed to pass the class.

   After inserting these numbers in the formula, the equation should read G=(70-65(1-0.3))/0.3.
   Simplified, that is G=(70-(65*0.7))/0.3, then G=(70-45.5)/0.3 and G=24.5/0.3, or 81.66.
   In this hypothetical situation, you would need to score at least an 82 on the final test to pass the class.

Tips & Warnings

• An alternative way to represent this formula is G*P=D-C(1-P), using the same factors.

• Do not assume that your grade will be rounded up. Many schools now use advanced software programs to calculate grades. In many cases, these programs will just remove any decimals rather than round up.