by paying low wages, factory owners were able to\n○ increase their profits in a competitive environment.\n○…

by paying low wages, factory owners were able to\n○ increase their profits in a competitive environment.\n○ avoid overcrowding and accidents on the factory floor.\n○ hire fewer workers to perform a variety of tasks.\n○ promise higher pay as an incentive to work harder.
Answer
Brief Explanations:
Lower wages mean lower labor - cost. In a competitive environment, reducing costs can increase profits. Paying low wages has no direct relation to avoiding overcrowding/accidents, hiring fewer workers, or promising higher pay as an incentive.
Answer:
Increase their profits in a competitive environment.