Question

average hours worked per person per year in 1950 and 2017
country 1950 2017 change in hours percent change in hours
united kingdom 2,184 1,670 -514 -24%
australia 2,178 1,731 -447 -21%
germany 2,427 1,354 -1,074 -44%
mexico 2,432 2,255 -177 -7%
a student in an economics course is examining the decline since 1950 in average hours worked per person per year in various nations due to both increased productivity and the adoption of policies that limit working hours. the first task in this investigation is to determine how the decline in the united kingdom compares to that in other countries.
which choice most effectively uses data from the table to complete the statement?
a) though the percent decrease in hours worked in the united kingdom was greater than that in germany and mexico, it was less than that in australia.
b) while the number of hours worked rose in the united kingdom from 1950 to 2017, it declined in germany, australia, and mexico.
c) the decline in number of hours worked was greater in the united kingdom than it was in germany, australia, or mexico.
d) though the percent decrease in hours worked in the united kingdom was less than that in germany, it was greater than that in australia and mexico.

Explanation:

1. Analyze option A: The percent - decrease in the UK is 24%, in Germany is 44%, and in Mexico is 7%. So, the percent - decrease in the UK is not greater than that in Germany, making option A incorrect.
2. Analyze option B: The number of hours worked in the UK decreased from 2184 to 1670, not rose. So, option B is incorrect.
3. Analyze option C: The decline in hours in the UK is 514, in Australia is 447, in Germany is 1074, and in Mexico is 177. The decline in the UK is not greater than that in Germany. So, option C is incorrect.
4. Analyze option D: The percent - decrease in the UK is 24%, in Germany is 44%, in Australia is 21%, and in Mexico is 7%. The percent - decrease in the UK is less than that in Germany and greater than that in Australia and Mexico. So, option D is correct.

Answer:

D. though the percent decrease in hours worked in the United Kingdom was less than that in Germany, it was greater than that in Australia and Mexico.