If you score the minimum 40 on one exam, the other exam must be at least how many points to meet the minimum combined score of 90?

If you score the minimum 40 on one exam, the other exam must be at least how many points to meet the minimum combined score of 90?

• A. 60
• B. 50
• C. 40
• D. 70

Answer: (B)

To meet a combined score of at least 90, the second exam must cover the remaining points after the first exam's 40. Subtracting, 90 minus 40 equals 50. So the other exam must be at least 50 points. Anything less would keep the total below 90. Among possible numbers, 50 is the smallest that still achieves the target total (60 would be more than enough, 40 would fall short, and 70 would also exceed but isn’t the minimum needed).

To meet a combined score of at least 90, the second exam must cover the remaining points after the first exam's 40. Subtracting, 90 minus 40 equals 50. So the other exam must be at least 50 points. Anything less would keep the total below 90. Among possible numbers, 50 is the smallest that still achieves the target total (60 would be more than enough, 40 would fall short, and 70 would also exceed but isn’t the minimum needed).