16Hit1600
Information and IdeasVery hardDistinguishing a share from a total

Information and Ideas practice question

Electric cars' share of new car sales, and total new car sales, in a country: 2020: 5%, 900 thousand cars sold 2022: 12%, 750 thousand cars sold 2024: 20%, 800 thousand cars sold

Which statement is best supported by the data?

  1. A. The electric share rose sharply across the period, though total sales in 2024 were still below their 2020 level.Correct
  2. B. Total new car sales rose in every year shown.
  3. C. The number of electric cars sold fell between 2022 and 2024.
  4. D. The electric share fell between 2020 and 2022.

Answer: A. The electric share rose sharply across the period, though total sales in 2024 were still below their 2020 level.

5% → 12% → 20% is a sharp rise; totals went 900 → 750 → 800, so 2024 is still below 2020.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. Total new car sales rose in every year shown.
Total sales fell from 900 to 750 thousand in 2022.
C. The number of electric cars sold fell between 2022 and 2024.
12% of 750 thousand is 90 thousand; 20% of 800 thousand is 160 thousand — a rise.
D. The electric share fell between 2020 and 2022.
5% to 12% is a rise.

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