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Information and IdeasMediumDescribing a series that dips, rises and dips

Information and Ideas practice question

Average finishing time in a city marathon: 2018: 262 minutes 2020: 258 minutes 2022: 265 minutes 2024: 259 minutes

Which statement is best supported by the data?

  1. A. Times improved in 2020, worsened to above the 2018 level in 2022, and improved again in 2024.Correct
  2. B. Times improved in every year shown.
  3. C. 2022 had the fastest average time.
  4. D. Times worsened steadily from 2018 to 2024.

Answer: A. Times improved in 2020, worsened to above the 2018 level in 2022, and improved again in 2024.

262 → 258 (faster), 258 → 265 (slower, and above 262), 265 → 259 (faster again).

Why the other answers are wrong

B. Times improved in every year shown.
2022 was slower than 2020.
C. 2022 had the fastest average time.
2022 was the SLOWEST year, at 265.
D. Times worsened steadily from 2018 to 2024.
2020 and 2024 were both faster than the year before.

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