16Hit1600
Information and IdeasVery hardChoosing the claim that the rates support

Information and Ideas practice question

Two hospitals' surgery outcomes last year: Hospital A: 2,000 operations, 40 complications Hospital B: 500 operations, 15 complications

Which statement is best supported by the data?

  1. A. Hospital A had more complications in total, but Hospital B's complication rate was higher.Correct
  2. B. Hospital A's complication rate was higher than Hospital B's.
  3. C. Hospital B performed more operations than Hospital A.
  4. D. The two hospitals had the same complication rate.

Answer: A. Hospital A had more complications in total, but Hospital B's complication rate was higher.

Totals: A's 40 exceeds B's 15. Rates: A had 40/2,000 = 2%; B had 15/500 = 3%. More complications at A, a higher rate at B.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. Hospital A's complication rate was higher than Hospital B's.
A's rate is 2%, below B's 3%.
C. Hospital B performed more operations than Hospital A.
A performed 2,000 operations to B's 500.
D. The two hospitals had the same complication rate.
2% and 3% differ.

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