Question

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

A 5-column table with 1 row titled Sales Above/Below average (millions). Column 1 is labeled February with entry negative 2.5. Column 2 is labeled march with entry negative 1 and one-half. Column 3 is labeled April with entry 2.5. Column 4 is labeled May with entry negative 1.6. Column 5 is labeled June with entry 2 and one-half. A number line going from negative 3 to positive 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 based on the data from the table, we first need to clarify the sales performances in relation to the average of $12 million per month:

- 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 establish the comparisons:

1. **April sales vs May sales:**
April ($14.5 million) > May ($10.4 million)
Symbol: >

2. **April sales vs February sales:**
April ($14.5 million) > February ($9.5 million)
Symbol: >

3. **February sales vs March sales:**
February ($9.5 million) < March ($10.5 million)
Symbol: <

4. **March sales vs June sales:**
March ($10.5 million) < June ($14.5 million)
Symbol: <

5. **June sales vs April sales:**
June ($14.5 million) = April ($14.5 million)
Symbol: =

Summary of comparisons:
- April sales > May sales
- April sales > February sales
- February sales < March sales
- March sales < June sales
- June sales = April sales