5lb. book Chap33. Section3: Hard (Q13, 15) P1187

[yeawon0311]

Hello.

I have some questions on 5lb. book.

1. On Section 3 (Hard difficulty) (Chapter 3),
Question 13 said, which military branch has the greatest percentage of women who are single and have children under the age of 18?

When I read this, I thought the denominator should be the total number of people (including both men and women), since there is no statement like "among women". However, the solution stated that the denominator is the total number of women (excluding men).

I could not understand why I need to set denominator as women only.


2. Moreover, Question 15, in the solution, it also neglects the number of female personnel when they calculate the fraction. Is it just estimation? I think if we want to solve more accurately, we should consider not only men, but also women. I mean not 482,000, but 482,000+55000 ! Isn't it?


I look forward your reply:) Thanks a lot!

[tommywallach]

Hey yea,

If I had "which branch has the great number of people who are single women with children under the age of 18," then the denominator would be all the people. But it's asking about the percentage of women, not of people. I agree that it could be worded a bit more clearly though.

As for your second point, the explanation actually says why they did that. You're right that the question itself is asking for total, but the total is the same in both instances, so it doesn't really make any difference. Once again, though, I agree that it's a little needless of a complication.

Hope that helps!

-t