The line graph shows the salary of Vinod in four years, 2013 to 2016.
In which year did Vinod's salary increase by the lowest percentage over the previous year?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → 2015
A percentage increase compares the rise with the previous year's salary: \(\frac{\text{rise}}{\text{previous salary}}\times100\). A bigger rise can still be a smaller percentage if the base is larger.
2014: \(\displaystyle\frac{12500-10000}{10000}\times100=\frac{2500}{10000}\times100=25\%\)
2015: \(\displaystyle\frac{14670-12500}{12500}\times100=\frac{2170}{12500}\times100=17.36\%\)
2016: \(\displaystyle\frac{17890-14670}{14670}\times100=\frac{3220}{14670}\times100\approx21.95\%\)
The lowest is 17.36%, in 2015