16Hit1600
Information and IdeasVery hardRecognising a proportion that stayed constant

Information and Ideas practice question

A school's enrolment and its number of teachers: 2010: 600 students, 30 teachers 2015: 720 students, 36 teachers 2020: 900 students, 45 teachers

Which statement is best supported by the data?

  1. A. Although both students and teachers increased, the number of students per teacher stayed at 20.Correct
  2. B. The number of students per teacher rose over the period.
  3. C. The number of students per teacher fell over the period.
  4. D. The number of teachers doubled between 2010 and 2020.

Answer: A. Although both students and teachers increased, the number of students per teacher stayed at 20.

600/30 = 720/36 = 900/45 = 20 each year.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. The number of students per teacher rose over the period.
The ratio is 20 in every year.
C. The number of students per teacher fell over the period.
The ratio is 20 in every year.
D. The number of teachers doubled between 2010 and 2020.
45 is 1.5 times 30, not double.

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