Problem-Solving and Data AnalysisMediumSpotting a misleading comparison
Problem-Solving and Data Analysis practice question
A shop advertises that its sales 'rose by 200 percent' after a redesign. Its records show sales of 3 items in the week before the redesign and 9 items in the week after. Which statement best evaluates the claim?
- A. The claim is arithmetically correct but misleading, because the numbers are so small that a rise of 6 items proves little.Correct
- B. The claim is false, because 9 is not 200 percent of 3.
- C. The claim understates the increase.
- D. The claim proves the redesign worked.
Answer: A. The claim is arithmetically correct but misleading, because the numbers are so small that a rise of 6 items proves little.
From 3 to 9 is a 200% rise, but tiny counts swing by chance.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. The claim is false, because 9 is not 200 percent of 3.
- The rise from 3 to 9 is 6, which is 200% of 3.
- C. The claim understates the increase.
- 200% is the full increase.
- D. The claim proves the redesign worked.
- Six extra sales in one week is not proof.
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