16Hit1600
Information and IdeasVery hardChoosing the correct rate comparison

Information and Ideas practice question

Two ferries last summer: Ferry X: 400 crossings, 12 cancelled Ferry Y: 250 crossings, 10 cancelled

A travel writer claims that Ferry X was more reliable than Ferry Y. Which choice most effectively uses data from the table to support the claim?

  1. A. Ferry X cancelled 3% of its crossings (12 of 400), compared with 4% for Ferry Y (10 of 250).Correct
  2. B. Ferry X made more crossings than Ferry Y.
  3. C. Ferry Y cancelled fewer crossings than Ferry X.
  4. D. Ferry X cancelled 12 crossings.

Answer: A. Ferry X cancelled 3% of its crossings (12 of 400), compared with 4% for Ferry Y (10 of 250).

Reliability is the cancellation rate; choice A computes both rates.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. Ferry X made more crossings than Ferry Y.
Volume alone doesn't show reliability.
C. Ferry Y cancelled fewer crossings than Ferry X.
Fewer cancellations from fewer crossings; the rate favours X, and this points the wrong way.
D. Ferry X cancelled 12 crossings.
A count without a rate or comparison.

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