Question

The total U.S. apple production increased during the 1973-1988 period from 6.2 to 9.l billion pounds. To the nearest tenth of a percent, what was the percent of increase in apple production in the United States from 1973-1988? A) 46.8% B) 31.3% C) 33.3% D) 52.6%

Answer 1

First, to find the percent increase in production, we must first determine the difference in production from 1973 to 1988. By subtracting the production in 1973 (6.2 billion pounds) from the production in 1988 (9.1 billion pounds), we find that the difference is 2.9 billion pounds.

Afterwards, we need to calculate this difference as a percentage of the initial 1973 production. This can be done by dividing the change in production by the initial production, and then multiplying by 100 to convert our answer into a percentage.

Thus, we divide 2.9 billion pounds by 6.2 billion pounds, and then multiply by 100. This calculation yields a result of 46.8%.

So, to the nearest tenth of a percent, the percent increase in apple production from 1973 to 1988 was 46.8%. Therefore, the correct answer is A) 46.8%.