PSAT Reading Question 357: Answer and Explanation

Question: 357

What additional piece of information would be most helpful in determining the number of people in the U.S. over age 84 who had a new case of cancer in the years 2007–2011?

• A. The total number of new cancer cases between 2007 and 2011 in the United States
• B. The total number of male cancer patients between 2007 and 2011
• C. The total number of lung cancer cases in the elderly between 2007 and 2011
• D. The total number of emergency room visits by the elderly between 2007 and 2011

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

(A) If we knew the total number of new cancer cases between 2007 and 2011, we could multiply it by the percentage of new cases of cancer in the age group over 84 provided in the figure, giving us the total number of people in the U.S. over age 84 who had a new case of cancer in 2007–2011. The other options, although providing some interesting data, would not allow for a specific calculation of what we are asked to find.