PSAT Math Multiple-Choice Question 189: Answer and Explanation

Question: 189

The figure above shows worldwide unemployment rates from 2004 to 2013. Which of the following statements is true?

• A. The graph is decreasing everywhere.
• B. The graph is increasing from 2007 to 2010.
• C. The graph is decreasing from 2004 to 2007 and from 2009 to 2011.
• D. The graph is increasing from 2007 to 2010 and decreasing from 2011 to 2013.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

C

Difficulty: Medium

Category: Passport to Advanced Math/Functions

Getting to the Answer: A graph is decreasing when the slope is negative; it is increasing when the slope is positive. Eliminate (A) because there are some segments on the graph that have a positive slope. Eliminate (B) because the slope is negative, not positive, between 2009 and 2010. Choice (C) is correct because the slope is negative for each segment between 2004 and 2007 and also between 2009 and 2011.