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Information and IdeasVery hardRecognising that a rate and a total move differently

Information and Ideas practice question

A city's population and its number of libraries: 2000: population 200,000; 10 libraries 2010: population 250,000; 11 libraries 2020: population 330,000; 12 libraries

Which statement is best supported by the data?

  1. A. Although the number of libraries rose, the number of residents per library rose from 20,000 to 27,500.Correct
  2. B. The number of residents per library fell over the period.
  3. C. The city added libraries faster than its population grew.
  4. D. The number of libraries doubled between 2000 and 2020.

Answer: A. Although the number of libraries rose, the number of residents per library rose from 20,000 to 27,500.

Residents per library: 200,000/10 = 20,000; 330,000/12 = 27,500. Libraries rose, but not as fast as people.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. The number of residents per library fell over the period.
The ratio rose, from 20,000 to 27,500.
C. The city added libraries faster than its population grew.
Population grew 65%; libraries grew 20%.
D. The number of libraries doubled between 2000 and 2020.
12 is not double 10.

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