The graph shows the cumulative global wind capacity (the capacity for

Question

13.jpg The graph shows the cumulative global wind capacity (the capacity for generating electricity with wind turbines), in megawatts, as of the end of each of the years 2009-2013. Based on the information provided, select the options from the drop-down menus that create the most accurate statement. The greatest one-year Increase in megawatts of wind capacity occurred in GRAPH_1_PLACEHOLDER , and the greatest one-year percent Increase in wind capacity occurred In GRAPH_2_PLACEHOLDER .

KarishmaB · Accepted Answer

For the first drop down we need the greatest increase in the amount of capacity.

Th figures shown are as of the end of each of the years. From end of 2009 to end of 2010 which means
In 2010, the increase was 198 - 159 = 39
In 2011, the increase was 238 - 198 = 40
In 2012, the increase was 283 - 238 = 45
In 2013, the increase was 318 - 283 = 35

So increase was maximum in  2012. ANSWER

For second drop down we need the maximum percentage increase.

In 2010, the increase of 39 was on a much smaller figure of 159,000. In 2011, a similar increase (of 40) was on a much larger number of 198,000.
So we know that percentage increaes in 2010 will be greater than that in 2011.
In 2012, the increase is more (about 5% more) but the base of 238,100 is much much larger (about 50% more). Hence the percentage increase in 2012 will be lower than that in 2010.

Maximum percentage increase will be in  2010. ANSWER

When looking for max percentage increase, focus on smallest bases. They usually will give the maximum percentage change.

Check percentages here: 
 https://youtu.be/HxnsYI1Rws8

nazii · Answer

First question: 
subtract each 2 consecutive column .
1. 198-159= 37
2. 238-198= 40
3. 283-238= 45
4. 318-283= 35 
The greatest absolute increase is for 2012.
Second question:
divide the the obtained values from first question to the value of each year . This is percentage change formula
1. 37/159= 23%
2. 40/198= 20%
3. 45/283= 15%
4. 35/318= 11%
2009 is not among answer choices, so 2010 is the greates

Hrley · Answer

I want to provide a different way of solving this question that's actually quick and still reasonable.

First blank:
Look at the ten-thousandth digit of each bar's value.
Notice how the highest difference in these digits year-after-year is from 2011 to 2012. That is 8 - 3 = 5.
Other such differences are either 4 or 3.

So, it's 2012.

Second blank:
Now, knowing that the differences are roughly the same. They range from 30000 to 50000, according to what we know using my method here.
So, now we just need to find year with its previous year having the lowest base possible.
That's 2009 - 2010.
(Same numerator but lower denominator means greater percentage change.)

Therefore, the answer's 2010.

You can always choose to eyeball the changes from data points on Graphs and Tables, if the question calls for comparison between them.

The graph shows the cumulative global wind capacity (the capacity for

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GMAT Graphs and Tables (G&T) Questions

The graph shows the cumulative global wind capacity (the capacity for

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