Question

In a particular country in 1999, the average worker had to work 20 hours to produce 55 units of output. In that same country in 2009, the average worker needed to work 28 hours to produce 77 units of output. In that country, the productivity of the average worker:

A) increased by 2 percent between 1999 and 2009.
B) increased by 5 percent between 1999 and 2009.
C) remained unchanged between 1999 and 2009.
D) decreased by 3 percent between 1999 and 2009.

Answer 1

The productivity of the average worker remained unchanged between 1999 and 2009 because the output per hour worked was 2.75 units in both years.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine the change in worker productivity, we will calculate the output per hour for both years and then compare the two figures to find the percentage change. Worker productivity is defined by the amount of output produced per hour worked.

Productivity in 1999:

55 units of output / 20 hours worked = 2.75 units per hour

Productivity in 2009:

77 units of output / 28 hours worked = 2.75 units per hour

The productivity remained the same, as the number of units produced for each hour worked is 2.75 in both years. Therefore, the correct answer is C) remained unchanged between 1999 and 2009.