11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
		190-200	180-189	170-179	160-169	150-159	140-149	130-139	120-129	120-119	100-109	<100
		4.8%	11.1%	12.7%	14.3%	9.5%	14.3%	11.1%	1.6%	3.2%	1.6%	15.9%

The distribution of scores from the Final Exam has a larger fraction of sub-50% (<100 points) scores than the other four section tests.

A possible reason for this is the strategy of only earning enough on the Final Exam to ensure a given grade. That is, if a student, without the Final Exam has earned a middle or high C, then he or she might need only a few tens of points to earn a B. It might be very difficult if not impossible to score enough on the Final Exam to earn an A. Given the complete course load and time constraints it might be in the short-term best interest to sit the Final Exam without spending many hours in study for a slight chance of earning a much higher grade. Put just enough effort into the Final Exam to gain the B! Indeed, there have been a very few students who decided not to sit the Final Exam—they were content with the grade earned to that point. Keep in mind that the Final Exam counts only 24% toward the grade. Doing well on the Final Exam versus doing poorly might be a difference of only a few percentage points. It is conceivable that the grade might not be changed.

While this strategy has a short-term cost-benefit result, it is not to be encouraged for the long-term knowledge base of algebra.