1. In Western Europe, x bicycles were sold in each of the years 1990 and 1993. The bicycle producers of Western Europe had a 42 percent share of this market in 1990 and a 33 percent share in 1993. Which of the following represents the decrease in the annual number of bicycles produced and sold in Western Europe from 1990 to 1993?

Answer: 9% of x

Explanation: In 1990 Western Europe had a 42% market share of the bicycle industry. This means they made 42% of x bicycles that were produced and sold that year. This can also be written as 0.42 times x = 0.42x.

In 1993 Western Europe had a 33% market share of the bicycle industry, meaning they made and sold 33% of x bicycles that were produced and sold. This equates to 0.33 times x = 0.33x.

The annual number of bicycles produced and sold within the market during the years decreased from 42%to 33%. This means the decrease is:

0.42x - 0.33x

= 0.09x

∴In percentage terms this can be written as 9% of x bicycles produced and sold.