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Answer
Figure This!
 

Answer:
McEwing has the higher batting average.

 

Complete Solution:
Both players had 45 hits in 132 at bats. Then, with the statistics from the next at bats, McEwing's average is 49 ÷ 137, or about .358 while Lieberthal's batting average is 48 ÷ 135, or about .356.

One way to make sense of this unexpected result is to imagine that McEwing gets 3 hits in his first 3 at bats while Lieberthal also gets 3 hits in 3 at bats. Then the pair is still tied. During McEwing's last 2 at bats, he gets 1 hit. This average of 1 for 2, or .500 is better than his current average, so his batting average goes up.

 

 
  
Player
At Bats
Hits
Batting
Average
Next At Bats
Next Hits
New Average
M. Lieberthal
132
45
45 ÷ 132 = .341
3
3
48 ÷ 135 = .356
J. McEwing
132
45
45 ÷ 132 = .341
5
4
49 ÷ 137 = .358
 
 
       
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