Question

the stacked line chart shows the numbers of college degrees awarded to males and females since 1970. complete parts (a) through (d).

a. estimate the numbers of college degrees awarded to males and to females (separately) in 2020.

the number of college degrees awarded to males in 2020 was 770,000. the number of college degrees awarded to females in 2020 was 1,193,000.

b. about when were the numbers of college degrees equal for males and females?

they were approximately equal in
1980
1990
2010
2000
1970
2020

Explanation:

Understand stacked line charts

Using the Stacked Line Chart Interpretation knowledge point
In a stacked line chart, the values are accumulated. The bottom band represents the first category (Male), and its value is read directly from the vertical axis. The top band represents the second category (Female), and its value is represented by the vertical thickness of that band (the difference between the top line and the bottom line).

Identify equal values

Using the Stacked Line Chart Interpretation knowledge point
For the two categories to have equal values, the thickness of the bottom band (Male) must equal the thickness of the top band (Female). This means the line separating the two categories must lie exactly halfway between the horizontal axis (\(y = 0\)) and the top boundary line.

Analyze the chart by year

Using the Stacked Line Chart Interpretation knowledge point

• In 1970: The boundary line is at approximately \(5\) (representing 500,000), and the top line is at approximately \(8\) (representing 800,000). The Male value is \(5\), and the Female value is \(8 - 5 = 3\).
• In 1980: The boundary line is at approximately \(5\), and the top line is at approximately \(10\). The Male value is \(5\), and the Female value is \(10 - 5 = 5\). Since both values are approximately equal to \(5\) (500,000), this is the year they were equal.

Select the correct option

Using the Stacked Line Chart Interpretation knowledge point
Comparing our finding of 1980 with the given dropdown options: 1980, 1990, 2010, 2000, 1970, 2020. The correct option is 1980.

Answer:

• 1980. (Correct answer)
• 1990.
• 2010.
• 2000.
• 1970.
• 2020.