Question

The percentage of households with an annual income of more than 40,000 is higher in Merton County than in Sommer County. However, the percentage of households with an annual income of $60,000 or more is higher in Sommer County. If the statements above are true, which of the following must also be true?

• A. The percentage of households with an annual income of $80,000 is higher in Sommer County than in Merton County.
• B. Merton County has the second highest percentage of households with an annual income of $60,000 or more.
• C. Some households in Merton County have an annual income between $40,000 and $60,000.
• D. The number of households with an annual income of more than $40,000 is greater in Merton County than in Sommer County.
• E. Average annual household income is higher in Sommer County than in Merton County.

Hint:

When evaluating statements about income distribution, consider the relative percentages across different income ranges.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the implications.
The statements suggest that Merton County has more households earning more than $40,000, but fewer households earning $60,000 or more. This implies that some of those households must fall into the $40,000 to $60,000 range.
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
- (A) This does not follow from the given information. It’s not stated that the percentage of households with $80,000 income is higher in Sommer County.
- (B) The passage does not provide enough information to conclude this.
- (C) This is the correct answer. Since the percentage of households with $40,000+ is higher in Merton County, but fewer households earn $60,000+, some must earn between $40,000 and $60,000.
- (D) This is not supported by the passage. The statement only compares percentages, not the total number of households.
- (E) The passage does not provide information on average income.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (C), as it logically follows from the statements that some households must fall between the $40,000 and $60,000 range.