PSAT Reading Question 354: Answer and Explanation

Question: 354

According to the table, between the years 1995 and 2015, which type of transportation underwent the largest percentage decline in number of companies?

• A. Air carriers
• B. Railroads
• C. Interstate motor carriers
• D. Marine vessel operators

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

(A) Between 1990–1995, the number of air carriers steadily decreased from 96 to 63, giving this a reduction of about 34 percent. The number of railroads and interstate motor carriers both declined. Although the number of marine vessel operators also declined, it did not come close to the same level of percentage decline as the number of air carriers. The number of marine vessel operators decreased by approximately 14 percent. You will not need a calculator to solve this problem since estimation will be sufficient.