Question 133·Easy·Command of Evidence
Average Number of Daily Steps Recorded in a Fitness Study, by Age Group
| Participant age group (years) | Average daily steps |
|---|---|
| 10–19 | 9,500 |
| 20–29 | 10,800 |
| 30–39 | 9,100 |
| 40–49 | 8,600 |
| 50–59 | 7,900 |
In a year-long fitness study, researchers recorded the average number of steps taken each day by participants in five age groups.
Participants in the study who took the highest average number of daily steps were in the _____ age group.
Which choice most effectively uses data from the table to complete the statement?
For table and graph questions, start by restating in your mind exactly what you’re being asked (maximum, minimum, increase, comparison, etc.), then go straight to the specific column or axis that contains that information. Scan all relevant values before deciding—compare the numbers carefully, match the chosen number back to its label (like an age group), and only then look at the answer choices to select the one that matches. This avoids common mistakes like grabbing the first large-looking number or confusing rows and columns.
Hints
Locate the right column
Focus on the column labeled "Average daily steps." That column tells you how many steps, on average, each age group took per day.
Compare the values
Look at all the numbers in the "Average daily steps" column and think about which one is the largest. You do not need to add or subtract—just compare the sizes of the numbers.
Connect number to age group
Once you know which number is the largest, find the row that number is in and read the age group at the start of that row. That age group is your answer.
Step-by-step Explanation
Identify what the question is asking
The question asks: which age group took the highest average number of daily steps? So you need to look for the largest number in the "Average daily steps" column of the table and then match it to its age group.
Scan the "Average daily steps" column
Read the numbers in the "Average daily steps" column:
- 9,500
- 10,800
- 9,100
- 8,600
- 7,900
Compare these values and decide which one is the greatest.
Match the largest value to its age group and answer
The greatest value in the "Average daily steps" column is 10,800. Now look across the row to see which age group has 10,800 steps; it is the 20–29 years old group. Therefore, the correct answer is 20–29 years old (Choice B).