In: Economics
In 1997 the US CPI was 160 and in 2019 it was 256. The CPI has base year of 1982. Use this information for the following three questions.
27. The average annual percent rate of inflation from 1997 to 2019 was closest to
A. 1.2
B. 2.1
C. 3.1
D. 4.2
28. In 2019, the nominal minimum wage is $11. The real minimum wage increased over this period about how many percent per year?
A. 0.01
B. 0.1
C. 1.5
D. 2.1
EDIT: The nominal minimum wage in 1997 was $5 per hour.
Question 1
CPI in 2019 = 256
CPI in 1997 = 160
Time period = 22 years
Calculate the average annual percent rate of inflation -
Average = 0.021 or 2.1%
Thus,
The average annual percent rate of inflation from 1997 to 2019 was closest to 2.1%
Hence, the correct answer is the option (B).
Question 28
Year - 2019
Nominal wage = $11
Calculate the real wage -
Real wage = Nominal wage * [CPI in 2019/CPI in 1982]
Real wage = $11 * [100/256] = $4.29
The real wage in 2019 was $4.29
Year - 1997
Nominal wage = $5
Calculate the real wage -
Real wage = Nominal wage * [CPI in 1997/CPI in 1982]
Real wage = $5 * [100/160] = $3.12
The real wage in 1997 was $3.12
Calculate the annual percentage increase in real wage between 1997 and 2019 -
Annual percentage increase = 0.0145 or 1.5%
Thus,
The annual percentage increase in real wage between 1997 and 2019 was 1.5%
Hence, the correct answer is the option (c).