Question

In August of 2020, the United States unemployment rate was 8.4%; in September, it was 7.8%. Which of the following comparison statements is true?

a) The unemployment rate increased by 0.6 percentage points.
b) The unemployment rate decreased by 0.6 percentage points.
c) The unemployment rate increased by 0.8 percentage points.
d) The unemployment rate decreased by 0.8 percentage points.

Answer 1

The unemployment rate decreased by 0.6 percentage points.

Step-by-step explanation:

The unemployment rate decreased by 0.6 percentage points.

To determine the change in the unemployment rate, we subtract the September rate from the August rate: 8.4% - 7.8% = 0.6%. Since the result is negative, it indicates a decrease in the unemployment rate.