Statistics Canada gives the following mortality data for Canada in 2007.
Is it reasonable to conclude that cancer or accidents were the cause of approximately 33.8% of deaths in 2002?
A)No,because the percentages do not add up to 100%.
B)Yes,because these categories do not overlap.
C)Yes,because the percentages can always be added in relative frequency tables.
D)No,because the percentages in relative frequencies tables can never be added.
E)No,because these categories overlap.

Question

Statistics Canada gives the following mortality data for Canada in 2007. 
Is it reasonable to conclude that cancer or accidents were the cause of approximately 33.8% of deaths in 2002?
A)No,because the percentages do not add up to 100%. 
B)Yes,because these categories do not overlap. 
C)Yes,because the percentages can always be added in relative frequency tables. 
D)No,because the percentages in relative frequencies tables can never be added. 
E)No,because these categories overlap.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The data shows that cancer caused 29.4% of all deaths and accidents caused 4.4% of all deaths in 2007. These two categories do not overlap, so it is reasonable to add them together to conclude that these causes were responsible for approximately 33.8% of deaths in 2007. Option A is incorrect because the percentages do not need to add up to 100% since there may be other causes of death not mentioned in the data. Option C is incorrect because although relative frequencies can always be added, this does not necessarily mean that the resulting sum is equal to 100%. Option D is incorrect because relative frequencies can be added. Option E is incorrect because cancer and accidents are two separate categories and do not overlap.

Statistics Canada Gives the Following Mortality Data for Canada in 2007