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The question asks you to determine the overall average percent increase in the price per pound of honey (the 3rd chart) and then compare that to each year’s annual percent decrease in the number of honey producing colonies (the 2nd chart) to find the most similar percentage. So begin by first calculating the average percent increase in the price per pound of honey. In 1980, the average price per pound of honey is about 55 cents. In 1986, the average price per pound of honey is about 140 cents. So to calculate the average yearly increase, you’ll use the percent change formula to find the total increase, and then divide that number by 6 to find the average annual increase over the 6-year period. The percent increase formula Higher value - Lower value/Lower Value.

140-55/55= 155%

To find the average % increase 155/6=26

So there was an average annual increase of 26% over the 6-year period. Now, use the 2nd chart to find which percent decrease in the number of colonies is closest to 26%. You’ll notice that there are only 4 years that show a decrease from the previous year: 1982, 1983, 1984, and 1986.


1982: Shows a decrease from 12,000 to 9,000, so 25%. That’s close.

1983: Shows a decrease from 9,000 to 7,000, so about 22%.

1984: Shows a decrease from 7,000 to 5,000, so about 29%.

1986: Shows a decrease from 6,000 to 5,000, so about 17%.

Therefore, 1982, at 25%, is the closest and the best answer.