Question

The number of passengers using a railway fell from 192,556 to 166,439 during a 6-year period. Find the annual percentage decrease over this period.

a) 3.5%
b) 5%
c) 8%
d) 10%

Answer 1

The correct annual percentage decrease in railway passengers over a 6-year period is approximately 2.26%, which is not one of the provided answer choices.

Step-by-step explanation:

The number of passengers using a railway fell from 192,556 to 166,439 over a 6-year period. We need to determine the annual percentage decrease. This requires finding the total percentage decrease and then dividing by the number of years.

To find the total percentage decrease:

1. Calculate the difference in passengers: 192,556 - 166,439 = 26,117.
2. Divide this difference by the original number of passengers: 26,117 ÷ 192,556 ≈ 0.1356 or 13.56% total decrease.
3. To find the annual decrease, divide the total decrease by 6 (years): 13.56% ÷ 6 ≈ 2.26%.

Therefore, none of the provided answer choices (3.5%, 5%, 8%, 10%) are correct; the actual annual percentage decrease is approximately 2.26%.