Question

The ratio of the population per registered car in 1985 to that in 1975 was most nearly

• A. 0.55
• B. 0.65
• C. 0.75
• D. 0.85
• E. 0.95

Hint:

When estimating values from a graph, write down your estimates before calculating. The answer choices are typically designed to be distinct enough that a good-faith estimate will lead you to the correct option.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question asks for a ratio between two values from the "Population per Registered Car" data series, which is represented by the dashed line on the graph.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
1. Read the value from the dashed line for the year 1985. 2. Read the value from the dashed line for the year 1975. 3. Calculate the ratio: (Value in 1985) / (Value in 1975).
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
- Value in 1985: Locate 1985 on the x-axis. Follow the vertical line up to the dashed line. The data point is slightly below the midpoint between the (inferred) 4 and 6 on the left-side scale. A reasonable estimate is approximately 4.8. - Value in 1975: Locate 1975 on the x-axis. Follow the vertical line up to the dashed line. The data point is about halfway between 6 and 7. A reasonable estimate is approximately 6.5. - Calculate the ratio: \[ \text{Ratio} = \frac{\text{Value in 1985}}{\text{Value in 1975}} \approx \frac{4.8}{6.5} \] To compute this, we can multiply the numerator and denominator by 10 to get \(\frac{48}{65}\). \[ 48 \div 65 \approx 0.738 \] - The calculated value, 0.738, is closest to the answer choice 0.75.
Step 4: Final Answer:
The ratio of the population per car in 1985 (approx. 4.8) to that in 1975 (approx. 6.5) is approximately 0.74, which is most nearly 0.75.