16Hit1600
Problem-Solving and Data AnalysisHardRecognising a decreasing but flattening trend

Problem-Solving and Data Analysis practice question

Year 1: 50 Year 2: 41 Year 3: 33 Year 4: 26 Year 5: 20

The table shows the number of a certain rare bird counted in a reserve in each of five years. Which of the following best describes how the count changed over these years?

  1. A. Decreasing at a slowing rateCorrect
  2. B. Decreasing at a constant rate
  3. C. Decreasing at an increasing rate
  4. D. Increasing at a slowing rate

Answer: A. Decreasing at a slowing rate

Year-to-year changes: −9, −8, −7, −6. The count falls each year, but by less each time.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. Decreasing at a constant rate
A constant rate would give equal drops, but they shrink from 9 to 6.
C. Decreasing at an increasing rate
The drops are shrinking, not growing.
D. Increasing at a slowing rate
The count is falling every year.

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