To compute the weighted average for your final grade, you can use the formula for a weighted average:

$\text{Weighted Average} = (w_1 \times s_1) + (w_2 \times s_2) + (w_3 \times s_3) + \dots$

Where $w_1, w_2, w_3, \dots$ are the weights, and $s_1, s_2, s_3, \dots$ are the corresponding scores.

In this case:

• Lab score = 86, with a weight of 15% or 0.15.
• First major test score = 87, with a weight of 23.5% or 0.235.
• Second major test score = 77, with a weight of 23.5% or 0.235.
• Final exam score = 79, with a weight of 38% or 0.38.

Now calculate the weighted average:

$\text{Weighted Average} = (0.15 \times 86) + (0.235 \times 87) + (0.235 \times 77) + (0.38 \times 79)$

I'll calculate this for you.

$\text{Weighted Average} = (0.15 \times 86) + (0.235 \times 87) + (0.235 \times 77) + (0.38 \times 79) = 12.9 + 20.445 + 18.095 + 30.02$

$\text{Weighted Average} = 81.46$

So, the weighted average for your final grade is 81.46.

Would you like further details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions:

1. What is the formula for calculating an unweighted average?
2. How does changing the weight of one component affect the overall grade?
3. How would your grade change if your lab score was 90 instead of 86?
4. What strategies could you use to improve your final exam score for a better average?
5. Can you have a situation where the weighted average is lower than all individual scores?

Tip: When calculating weighted averages, always ensure that the sum of the weights equals 1 (or 100%).