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Using the formula for the mean
The mean for the first 4 students was found by adding the 4 different scores and then dividing by 4. So the sum of the scores was 4$\times$4 = 16

Similarly, the sum of the last 6 scores was 6$\times$6 = 36

So the total score for the whole group was 16 + 26 = 52, and so the average score for the group was 52$\div$10 = 5.2


Using ratio
The sizes of the groups are in the ratio 4 : 6, or 2 : 3. This means that the impact on the average of the two groups' scores is also in the ratio 4 : 6, or 2 : 3.

So the average score will be closer to the 'last 6' average score than the 'first 4' average score, in the ratio 2 : 3.

The difference between the 'first 4' average of 4 and the 'last 6' average of 6 is 2, so 2 needs to be split in the ratio 2 : 3.

2 : 3 is equivalent to 8 : 12 and to 0.8 : 1.2. 0.8 + 1.2 = 2, so the number that is 0.8 from 6 and 1.2 from 4 is the average for the whole group, which is 5.2
You can find more short problems, arranged by curriculum topic, in our short problems collection.

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The NRICH Project aims to enrich the mathematical experiences of all learners. To support this aim, members of the NRICH team work in a wide range of capacities, including providing professional development for teachers wishing to embed rich mathematical tasks into everyday classroom practice.

NRICH is part of the family of activities in the Millennium Mathematics Project.

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