Why did the team decide to cheat on their tests and quizzes?

The decision of the team to cheat on their tests and quizzes was primarily motivated by their desire for Kate and Constance to achieve better scores, which aligns with their mission to succeed within the challenges presented by the tests. Throughout the story, the group is portrayed as having a strong sense of teamwork and loyalty, and they recognize that doing well on these assessments is essential for their larger goal of stopping the sinister plans of Mr. Curtain.

By cheating, they believed they could help make that happen while ensuring that their skills and capabilities did not go unnoticed. This act of cheating is seen as a strategic choice made out of necessity rather than a moral failing, as they were committed to their cause and believed that their actions served a greater purpose.

In contrast, the other options reflect motivations that do not align with the team's overall goal or mindset during the story. For instance, investigating the system or proving their intelligence may not directly involve the practical implications of achieving better scores for Kate and Constance. Likewise, distracting teachers from their failings does not resonate with the group's objectives of addressing the larger issues at hand. Thus, the focus on helping teammates succeed solidifies the rationale behind their decision to cheat.