The ratio of male to female students in a college for five years is plotted in…
2014
The ratio of male to female students in a college for five years is plotted in the following line graph. If the number of female students in 2011 and 2012 is equal, what is the ratio of male students in 2012 to male students in 2011?
- A.
1:1
- B.
2:1
- C.
1.5:1
- D.
2.5:1
Attempted by 79 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Key idea: use the same number for female students in both years and compute male counts from the given ratios.
Let F be the number of female students (the same in 2011 and 2012).
From the graph, the male-to-female ratio in 2011 is 1, so males in 2011 = 1 × F = F.
From the graph, the male-to-female ratio in 2012 is 1.5, so males in 2012 = 1.5 × F.
Therefore the ratio of male students in 2012 to male students in 2011 is (1.5×F) : (1×F) = 1.5 : 1 = 3 : 2.
Answer: 1.5:1 (which equals 3:2).