Final answer:
After adjusting for an inflation rate of 8%, a nominal raise of 2% translates to a real raise of -6%, meaning the purchasing power has effectively decreased.
So, the correct answer is a) -6%.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the real (inflation-adjusted) raise, we subtract the inflation rate from the nominal raise. The formula to find the real raise after adjusting for inflation is:
Real Raise = Nominal Raise - Inflation Rate
Using the numbers provided:
Real Raise = 2% - 8% = -6%
The real (inflation-adjusted) raise is thus -6%, indicating that in terms of purchasing power, the salary actually decreased by 6% despite the nominal raise because the inflation rate surpassed the increase in salary.
So, the correct answer is a) -6%.