Question

Each month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics conducts a survey called the Current Population Survey(CPS) to measure unemployment in the United States. Across the country, about $60,000$ households are included in the survey sample. These households are grouped by geographic region. A summary of the January 2014 survey results for male respondents in one geographic region is shown in the table below.

Age group	Employed	Unemployed	Not in the Labor Force	Total
16 to 19	8	5	10	23
20 to 24	26	7	23	56
25 to 34	142	11	28	157
35 to 44	144	8	32	164
45 to 54	66	6	26	98
Over 54	65	7	36	152
Total	451	44	155	650

According to the data in the table, for which age group did the smallest percentage of men report that they were unemployed in January 2014?

• A. 20 to 24 years
• B. 35 to 44 years
• C. 45 to 54 years
• D. Over 54 years

Answer 1

The correct option is D Over 54 years

To calculate the percentage of men in each age group who reported being unemployed in January $2014$, divide the number in that age group who were unemployed by the total number in that age group. There are six age groups but only four answer choices.

Take option D: $\frac{7}{152}=0.046=4.6$%, which lower percentage than that for any other age group $(20$ to $24=12.5\%;35$ to $44=4.9\%;45$ to $54=6.1\%)$.