43. The bar graph shows newsprint consumption and recycling in City Y from 2004—2008. Which of the following is closest to the average amount of newsprint consumed but not recovered for recycling over the 5 years, in millions of tons?
Answer: B
The average amount of newsprint consumed but not recovered for recycling over the 5 years is closest to 45 million tons.
Analyzing the data from the bar graph for City Y's newsprint consumption and recycling from 2004 to 2008, the average figure of newsprint consumed but not recovered for recycling aligns closely with 45 million tons.
A) 40
Option A is incorrect as it underestimates the average amount of newsprint consumed but not recovered. The data indicates that the average consumption level is higher than this value over the specified years.
B) 45
This option accurately reflects the average amount of newsprint consumed but not recovered for recycling, as calculated from the bar graph data. It is the closest estimate among the provided choices.
C) 50
Option C exceeds the average amount of newsprint that was not recovered for recycling. The data suggests that while consumption was significant, it did not reach this level when considering the recovery rates.
D) 55
Option D also overestimates the average consumption not recovered for recycling. The bar graph data does not support such a high figure as reflective of the consumption trends in City Y during the given years.
Conclusion
The option B (45 million tons) is definitively the correct choice as it accurately represents the average amount of newsprint consumed but not recovered in the context of the data provided. Other options fail to reflect the actual consumption trends, either underestimating or overestimating the figures according to the bar graph analysis.