Math Problem Statement

The table below gives a small company's monthly increases in sales (in thousands of dollars). Use the table to answer the following questions: (a) Which month(s) had a drop in sales, and the drop was less than $190,000? Select all that apply. (b) Which month had the smallest change in sales?

Solution

Let's analyze the table and answer the questions.

Given Data:

MonthIncrease in sales (thousands of dollars)
May-139
June-289
July380
August72
September13

(a) Which month(s) had a drop in sales, and the drop was less than $190,000?

  • A drop in sales means a negative value.
  • May: -139 (drop of $139,000, which is less than $190,000) ✅
  • June: -289 (drop of $289,000, which is more than $190,000) ❌
  • Correct answer: May

(b) Which month had the smallest change in sales?

  • Change in sales refers to the absolute value (ignoring the sign).
  • May: 139
  • June: 289
  • July: 380
  • August: 72
  • September: 13 (smallest change) ✅
  • Correct answer: September

Would you like a detailed explanation or have any other questions?

5 Related Questions:

  1. How do you determine whether a value represents an increase or a decrease in sales?
  2. Why does September have the smallest change in sales?
  3. What would the answer be if the question asked for the largest drop in sales?
  4. How can absolute values help in solving problems like these?
  5. If another month had a sales drop of -180, would it be included in part (a)'s answer?

Tip:

When comparing increases and decreases, always check the absolute value to determine magnitude.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Negative numbers
Absolute value
Comparison of values

Formulas

Absolute value: |x|
Comparison logic to identify smallest or largest values

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 6-8