Which equation correctly computes the overall average for two groups with known averages and sizes? Group A: 90 (8), Group B: 85 (6).

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Multiple Choice

Which equation correctly computes the overall average for two groups with known averages and sizes? Group A: 90 (8), Group B: 85 (6).

Explanation:
When combining group means with different sizes, you use a weighted average: multiply each group’s mean by its size, add those products, and then divide by the total number of observations. Here, Group A has an average of 90 across 8 items, and Group B has 85 across 6 items. So the overall average is (90×8 + 85×6) ÷ (8+6) = (720 + 510) ÷ 14 = 1230/14 ≈ 87.86. This matches the expression that weights each mean by its group size and divides by the total size. Using the wrong weights, ignoring sizes, or dividing by an incorrect total would yield a different value.

When combining group means with different sizes, you use a weighted average: multiply each group’s mean by its size, add those products, and then divide by the total number of observations. Here, Group A has an average of 90 across 8 items, and Group B has 85 across 6 items. So the overall average is (90×8 + 85×6) ÷ (8+6) = (720 + 510) ÷ 14 = 1230/14 ≈ 87.86. This matches the expression that weights each mean by its group size and divides by the total size. Using the wrong weights, ignoring sizes, or dividing by an incorrect total would yield a different value.

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