Question

this table shows the u.s. federal minimum hourly wage in different years. during which time period did the wage increase at the greatest rate?

year	1979	1980	1981	1990	1991
wage ($)	2.90	3.10	3.35	3.80	4.25

a. 1979 to 1980
b. 1980 to 1981
c. 1981 to 1990
d. 1990 to 1991

Explanation:

Step1: Calculate the rate of increase for each interval

For \(1979 - 1980\):
The increase is \(3.10 - 2.90=0.20\). The rate of increase is \(\frac{0.20}{2.90}\approx 0.069\)
For \(1980 - 1981\):
The increase is \(3.35 - 3.10 = 0.25\). The rate of increase is \(\frac{0.25}{3.10}\approx0.081\)
For \(1981 - 1990\):
The increase is \(3.80 - 3.35=0.45\). The number of years is \(1990 - 1981 = 9\). The average annual increase is \(\frac{0.45}{9}=0.05\). The rate of increase (using initial - value \(3.35\)): \(\frac{0.05}{3.35}\approx0.015\)
For \(1990 - 1991\):
The increase is \(4.25 - 3.80 = 0.45\). The rate of increase is \(\frac{0.45}{3.80}\approx0.118\)

Answer:

D. \(1990\) to \(1991\)