16Hit1600
Information and IdeasHardComparing gains against a control

Information and Ideas practice question

Yield from three plots with the same seed and watering: Fertiliser X: 4.2 kg Fertiliser Y: 3.1 kg No fertiliser: 2.9 kg

A gardener claims that Fertiliser X raised the yield far more than Fertiliser Y did. Which choice most effectively uses data from the table to support the claim?

  1. A. Compared with the unfertilised plot's 2.9 kg, Fertiliser X added 1.3 kg while Fertiliser Y added only 0.2 kg.Correct
  2. B. The plot with Fertiliser X yielded 4.2 kg.
  3. C. The unfertilised plot yielded 2.9 kg.
  4. D. Both fertilised plots yielded more than the unfertilised plot.

Answer: A. Compared with the unfertilised plot's 2.9 kg, Fertiliser X added 1.3 kg while Fertiliser Y added only 0.2 kg.

The claim compares two GAINS; choice A computes both against the control and shows the gap.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. The plot with Fertiliser X yielded 4.2 kg.
One yield, no comparison of gains.
C. The unfertilised plot yielded 2.9 kg.
The baseline alone.
D. Both fertilised plots yielded more than the unfertilised plot.
True, but it doesn't say X gained far more than Y.

More Information and Ideas questions

Not affiliated with the College Board. SAT is a trademark of the College Board.