n January 2019,

labor force participation in the United States was 62.3%.

official unemployment was 4.1%.

the proportion of short-term unemployment (14 weeks or less) in that month on average was 68.9%.

moderately long-term unemployment (15–26 weeks) was 12.7%.

very long-term unemployment (27 weeks or longer) was 18.4%.

Based on these statistics, what proportion of the labor force was unemployed very long term in January 2019, to the nearest tenth of a percent? *Note:* Make sure to round your answer to the nearest tenth of a percent.

To find the proportion of the labor force that was unemployed for 27 weeks or longer (very long-term unemployment) in January 2019, we need to use the available data.

We have the following information:

- **Labor force participation rate** = 62.3%
- **Unemployment rate** = 4.1%
- **Proportion of very long-term unemployed (27 weeks or longer)** = 18.4% of all unemployed people.

### Step 1: Calculate the proportion of unemployed people in the labor force.
The unemployment rate is 4.1%, which means 4.1% of the labor force was unemployed.

### Step 2: Calculate the proportion of very long-term unemployed in the labor force.
The proportion of very long-term unemployed is 18.4% of the unemployed population.

To find the proportion of very long-term unemployed in the labor force:
\[
\text{Proportion of very long-term unemployed in the labor force} = 4.1\% \times 18.4\%
\]

### Step 3: Perform the calculation.
\[
4.1\% \times 18.4\% = \frac{4.1}{100} \times \frac{18.4}{100} = 0.041 \times 0.184 = 0.007544
\]

### Step 4: Convert to percentage and round to the nearest tenth.
\[
0.007544 \times 100 = 0.7544\%
\]

Rounding to the nearest tenth gives:
\[
\boxed{0.8\%}
\]

Thus, **0.8%** of the labor force was unemployed for 27 weeks or longer in January 2019.

---

Would you like further details on any step? Here are 5 related questions to expand on this topic:

1. How does the labor force participation rate affect unemployment statistics?
2. What is the difference between short-term and long-term unemployment impacts?
3. How is the official unemployment rate calculated?
4. Why is it important to track different lengths of unemployment?
5. What other factors could affect the unemployment rate?

**Tip**: When interpreting percentages in economic data, ensure you're clear whether the percentage refers to the entire population, labor force, or just the unemployed subgroup.

In January 2019, labor force participation in the United States was 62.3%. Official unemployment was 4.1%. The proportion of short-term unemployment (14 weeks or less) in that month on average was 68.9%. Moderately long-term unemployment (15–26 weeks) was 12.7%. Very long-term unemployment (27 weeks or longer) was 18.4%. Based on these statistics, what proportion of the labor force was unemployed very long term in January 2019, to the nearest tenth of a percent?

Learn how to calculate the proportion of the labor force that was unemployed for 27 weeks or longer in January 2019. This detailed solution covers key mathematical concepts involving percentages and unemployment statistics, suitable for high school students (Grades 9-12).

Math Problem Statement

Solution

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Formulas

Theorems

Suitable Grade Level

Related Recommendation