Which of the following items registered the highest rate of decline in…
2012
Which of the following items registered the highest rate of decline in expenditure from 2007–08 to 2009–10?
Answer: A. Labour and employment — ConceptWhen values have different starting bases, compare their proportional change rather than only the absolute difference. Percentage decline = ((initial…
- A.
Labour and employment
- B.
Health & family welfare
- C.
Social welfare & nutrition
- D.
Education, sports & youth affairs
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Concept
When values have different starting bases, compare their proportional change rather than only the absolute difference.
Percentage decline = ((initial value − final value) ÷ initial value) × 100. The category with the largest positive percentage decline has the highest rate of decline.
Application
Category | 2007–08 | 2009–10 | Calculation | Decline rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Labour and employment | 0.27% | 0.22% | 0.27 − 0.22 = 0.05; (0.05 ÷ 0.27) × 100 | 18.52% |
Health and family welfare | 2.05% | 1.90% | 2.05 − 1.90 = 0.15; (0.15 ÷ 2.05) × 100 | 7.32% |
Social welfare and nutrition | 0.82% | 0.79% | 0.82 − 0.79 = 0.03; (0.03 ÷ 0.82) × 100 | 3.66% |
Education, sports and youth affairs | 4.02% | 3.96% | 4.02 − 3.96 = 0.06; (0.06 ÷ 4.02) × 100 | 1.49% |
Cross-check
The computed order of decline rates is 18.52% > 7.32% > 3.66% > 1.49%, so the largest rate is uniquely identified.
Result
Labour and employment registered the highest rate of decline from 2007–08 to 2009–10.