To determine the probability of earning a score lower than 3 on the standardized test, we need to consider the probabilities of achieving each relevant score. In this context, "lower than 3" means scoring either a 1 or a 2.
Let's break down the probabilities given in the table:
- The probability of scoring a 1 is 0.18.
- The probability of scoring a 2 is 0.20.
We add these probabilities together to find the total probability of scoring lower than 3:
[tex]\[
P(\text{Score} < 3) = P(\text{Score} = 1) + P(\text{Score} = 2)
= 0.18 + 0.20
= 0.38
\][/tex]
Therefore, the probability of earning a score lower than 3 on the standardized test is [tex]\(0.38\)[/tex]. Hence, the correct answer is:
[tex]\[
0.38
\][/tex]
