FSOT Mathematics and Statistics 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A bar chart shows foreign aid allocations: Region A receives $45M, Region B receives $30M, Region C receives $25M. What percentage does Region B represent of the total?
- 25%
- 30% (Correct answer)
- 33%
- 40%
Correct answer: 30%
Total = $100M; Region B = $30M / $100M × 100 = 30%.
Question 2: If inflation is 3% per year, approximately how many years will it take for prices to double?
- 18 years
- 21 years
- 23 years (Correct answer)
- 25 years
Correct answer: 23 years
Using the Rule of 72: 72 / 3 = 24; the closest answer reflecting the actual calculation (ln2/ln1.03 ≈ 23.4) is 23 years.
Question 3: A dataset has a mean of 50 and a standard deviation of 10. What percentage of data falls within one standard deviation of the mean in a normal distribution?
- 50%
- 68% (Correct answer)
- 95%
- 99.7%
Correct answer: 68%
The empirical rule states that approximately 68% of data falls within one standard deviation of the mean in a normal distribution.
Question 4: A consulate budget is $2.4 million. If administrative costs are 35% and security is 25%, how many dollars remain for operations?
- $720,000
- $840,000
- $960,000 (Correct answer)
- $1,200,000
Correct answer: $960,000
Remaining = 100% - 35% - 25% = 40%; 40% × $2,400,000 = $960,000.
Question 5: Solve for x: 3x + 7 = 2x + 19
- x = 9
- x = 11
- x = 12 (Correct answer)
- x = 14
Correct answer: x = 12
3x - 2x = 19 - 7 → x = 12.
Question 6: A scatter plot shows a correlation coefficient of r = -0.85 between two diplomatic variables. What does this indicate?
- Weak positive relationship
- Strong positive relationship
- Weak negative relationship
- Strong negative relationship (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Strong negative relationship
A correlation of -0.85 is close to -1, indicating a strong negative (inverse) relationship between the two variables.
Question 7: A population of 4 million grows at 2.5% annually. What will the population be after 2 years?
- 4.1 million
- 4.2 million
- 4.202 million
- 4.205 million (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 4.205 million
After 2 years: 4 × (1.025)² = 4 × 1.050625 ≈ 4.2025 million, closest to 4.205 million.
FSOT Mathematics and Statistics 3
A bar chart shows foreign aid allocations: Region A receives $45M, Region B receives $30M, Region C receives $25M.
What percentage does Region B represent of the total?