Question 27

Mathematics Statistics Easy

There are 40 female and 20 male students in a class. If the average heights of female and male students are 5.15 feet and 5.66 feet, respectively, then the average height (in feet) of all the students in the class equals

(A) 5.175
(B) 5.405
(C) 5.320
(D) 5.490
View Dynamic Solution & Explanation
Correct Solution: Option C

Step-by-step Solution:

Correct Answer: C (5.320)

To find the average height of all the students, we need to calculate the weighted average based on the number of students in each group (female and male).

Step 1: Understand the Weighted Average Formula

The formula for the combined average of two groups is:

$$ \bar{x}_{\text{total}} = \frac{n_f \bar{x}_f + n_m \bar{x}_m}{n_f + n_m} $$

Where:

  • $n_f$ = number of female students = 40
  • $\bar{x}_f$ = average height of female students = 5.15 feet
  • $n_m$ = number of male students = 20
  • $\bar{x}_m$ = average height of male students = 5.66 feet

Step 2: Calculate the Total Sum of Heights

First, we find the sum of the heights for each group and then add them together.

  • Sum of heights for females: $n_f \times \bar{x}_f = 40 \times 5.15 = 206$ feet
  • Sum of heights for males: $n_m \times \bar{x}_m = 20 \times 5.66 = 113.2$ feet
  • Total sum of all heights: $206 + 113.2 = 319.2$ feet

Step 3: Calculate the Total Number of Students

Total students = (Number of females) + (Number of males) = $40 + 20 = 60$.

Step 4: Calculate the Combined Average Height

$$ \bar{x}_{\text{total}} = \frac{\text{Total sum of all heights}}{\text{Total number of students}} = \frac{319.2}{60} = 5.32 $$

The average height of all the students in the class is 5.320 feet.