Two students recently took algebra class tests.The students are at different schools but wanted to compare their performance.The first student scored 80 on the test.Her class average was 90 with a standard deviation of 10.The second student scored 70.Her class average was 50 with a standard deviation of 10.Which student did better?
A) first student because she had a higher score
B) second student because she had an average score
C) first student because she performed better relative to her class
D) second student because she performed better relative to her class

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The second student performed better relative to her class because she scored 20 points above her class average (70-50), while the first student scored 10 points below her class average (80-90), despite the raw scores suggesting otherwise. Standard deviations are the same, so comparison is valid.

Two Students Recently Took Algebra Class Tests