Question

exercises 11 - 18 refer to the data in table 1.6, showing the participation rate of the male and female population in the united states civilian work force in selected years from 1960 through 2010 (seasonally adjusted).
table 1.6 labor force participation rate, age 16 and over

year	female	male
1965	39.3	80.5
1970	43.3	79.6
1975	46.3	77.2
1980	51.5	77.0
1985	54.5	76.1
1990	57.5	76.3
1995	58.9	74.6
2000	59.9	74.7
2005	59.3	73.2
2010	58.6	70.7

source: u.s. bureau of labor statistics (www.bls.gov).

1. (a) according to the numerical model, what has been the trend in the percentage of females participating in the civilian work force since 1960?

(b) in what 5 - year interval did the percentage of female participation change the most?
a) the trend continues to increase until 2005 where it slightly decreases 0.06 2010
b) year 1975 to 1980 is when the percentage changes the most it increased 5.2

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze female participation trend

Looking at the female participation - rate values from 1960 (37.7) to 2005 (59.3), we can see an overall increase. From 2005 to 2010 (58.6), there is a slight decrease.

Step2: Calculate changes in 5 - year intervals

For 1960 - 1965: $39.3−37.7 = 1.6$; for 1965 - 1970: $43.3−39.3 = 4$; for 1970 - 1975: $46.3−43.3 = 3$; for 1975 - 1980: $51.5−46.3 = 5.2$; for 1980 - 1985: $54.5−51.5 = 3$; for 1985 - 1990: $57.5−54.5 = 3$; for 1990 - 1995: $58.9−57.5 = 1.4$; for 1995 - 2000: $59.9−58.9 = 1$; for 2000 - 2005: $59.3−59.9=- 0.6$; for 2005 - 2010: $58.6−59.3=- 0.7$. The largest change is in the 1975 - 1980 interval.

Answer:

A) The trend continues to increase until 2005 where it slightly decreases in 2010.
B) The 5 - year interval from 1975 to 1980 had the largest change in female participation rate, with an increase of 5.2.