Logical reasoning PrepTest 150 · Section 3 · Question 9

Incorrect. Slightly more, or millions more, it would still represent an increase of at least tenfold, so this doesn't reflect a flaw in the argument.

Incorrect. Exploring profitability stats doesn't require discussing why those increases happened, or, as this answer states, failed to happen. Analyzing stats might help reach explanations, but it doesn't require them.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Flawed

Question Type:
Errors in Reasoning

Stimulus Summary:
Of this agent's profitable clients, 90% made $100k+. Last year, none of them exceeded $10k. Therefore, 90% of her clients must have seen a tenfold increase in profits.

Answer Anticipation:
There's a subtle phrase thrown in early in this stimulus—"of those who made a profit." The agent limited that initial statistic to the profitable companies. The stat about last year is also limited ("not one of these businesses"). However, the conclusion is about all her business clients, including the unprofitable ones. She's moved the goalposts, and the correct answer will reflect that.

Answer Explanation:
This answer choice reflects the shift in the group being discussed—premises about the profitable businesses, conclusion about all businesses.

Key Takeaway:
Whenever a question features a survey or study, check the sample to make sure it is representative of the group being discussed in the conclusion.

Incorrect. There is no conditional language here, so there are no sufficient or necessary conditions for profitability discussed.

Incorrect. While this answer extends the statement about last year to the entire list of business clients, that aligns with the argument, so it certainly doesn't highlight an error in it.