A student scored an average of 78 marks in 4 subjects. If his average in all 5…

2025

A student scored an average of 78 marks in 4 subjects. If his average in all 5 subjects is 80, what are the marks he scored in the 5th subject?

  1. A.

    90

  2. B.

    88

  3. C.

    86

  4. D.

    84

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B

Concept: For any group of values, Total = Average × Number of items. When a new item joins the group, that item's own value equals the New Total (after joining) minus the Old Total (before joining).

  1. Total marks in the first 4 subjects = Average × Count = 78 × 4 = 312.

  2. Total marks in all 5 subjects = New average × Count = 80 × 5 = 400.

  3. Marks scored in the 5th subject = New total − Old total = 400 − 312 = 88.

Cross-check: Adding 88 to the original total of 312 gives 400, and 400 ÷ 5 = 80, which matches the given average of 5 subjects — confirming 88 is correct.

Explore the full course: Deloitte Nla