Question

An online bookseller averages net sales of $12 million per month. The table shows monthly variances for five months.

Sales Above/Below Avg. (Millions)
Feb. Mar. Apr. May June
-2.5 -1 1/2 2.5 -1.6 2 1/2

<-------------------------------------------->
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3

Which symbol correctly completes each comparison?

April sales _____ May sales

February sales _____ March sales

June sales _____April sales

Answer 1

To compare the sales for each month, we will first need to determine the actual sales for each month based on the average monthly sales of $12 million and the variances given in the table.

- **February:** $12 million - $2.5 million = $9.5 million
- **March:** $12 million - $1.5 million = $10.5 million
- **April:** $12 million + $2.5 million = $14.5 million
- **May:** $12 million - $1.6 million = $10.4 million
- **June:** $12 million + $2.5 million = $14.5 million

Now we can compare the sales:

1. **April sales vs. May sales:**
April sales = $14.5 million
May sales = $10.4 million
So, April sales **>** May sales.

2. **February sales vs. March sales:**
February sales = $9.5 million
March sales = $10.5 million
So, February sales **<** March sales.

3. **June sales vs. April sales:**
June sales = $14.5 million
April sales = $14.5 million
So, June sales **=** April sales.

In conclusion:
- April sales **>** May sales
- February sales **<** March sales
- June sales **=** April sales