2. The number of books checked out of and returned to a school library the first three days of the week are shown in the table above. If there were 445 books checked out of the library over the preceding weekend, how many books were out of the library when it closed on Wednesday evening?
Answer: A
434 books were out of the library when it closed on Wednesday evening.
To determine the total number of books still checked out when the library closed on Wednesday evening, we start with the 445 books checked out over the weekend and then account for the number of books checked out and returned during the first three days of the week.
A) 434
This option is correct. After beginning with 445 books checked out, and considering the net effect of the books checked out and returned during the first three days, the calculations accurately lead to 434 books remaining checked out by Wednesday evening.
B) 456
This option is incorrect. If 456 books were still checked out, it would imply that more books were checked out than were actually accounted for in the given data, leading to an inconsistency with the total number of books checked in and out.
C) 657
This option is incorrect. A total of 657 books checked out implies an incorrect addition of books compared to the numbers provided in the table, as it does not accurately reflect the checks and returns that occurred over the three days.
D) 668
This option is incorrect. A total of 668 books would suggest an unrealistic scenario where the number of books checked out significantly exceeds the number accounted for in the table, contradicting the actual data.
Conclusion
The correct answer is 434, as it accurately reflects the total number of books checked out after accounting for the returns made during the week. All other options fail to align with the data presented, resulting in incorrect totals that do not represent the library's inventory accurately.