Question

A recent survey shows that 65% of tobacco users were advised to stop consuming tobacco. The survey also shows that 3 out of 10 tobacco users attempted to stop using tobacco. Based only on the information in the above passage, which one of the following options can be logically inferred with certainty?

• A. A majority of tobacco users who were advised to stop consuming tobacco made an attempt to do so.
• B. A majority of tobacco users who were advised to stop consuming tobacco did not attempt to do so.
• C. Approximately 30% of tobacco users successfully stopped consuming tobacco.
• D. Approximately 65% of tobacco users successfully stopped consuming tobacco.

Hint:

Always distinguish between "advised," "attempted," and "succeeded." If the data gives only attempts, we cannot conclude anything about success. Use proportions carefully to test majority vs. minority.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Key facts from the passage. \begin{itemize} \item 65% of tobacco users were advised to stop. \item 30% (3 out of 10) attempted to stop using tobacco. \end{itemize}

Step 2: Eliminate impossible options. \begin{itemize} \item (C) and (D) both talk about successful quitting, but the passage only mentions attempts, not success. So (C) and (D) cannot be inferred. \item (A) claims that a majority of those advised attempted to stop. But overall only 30% of users attempted, which is less than half of the total users, and certainly less than the 65% who were advised. So it is impossible that a majority of the advised group attempted to stop. \end{itemize}

Step 3: Verify option (B). If 65% were advised and only 30% attempted overall, then even if all attempts came from the advised group, at most $30%$ of total users attempted compared to $65%$ advised. Thus, less than half of the advised group attempted, meaning a majority did not. \[ \Rightarrow \boxed{B\ \text{is the only logically certain inference.}} \]