In 1981

Sales = 8% of 150 million = 12 million

Service = 15% of 150 million = 22.5 million

Clerical = 20% of 150 million = 30 million


In 1995

Sales = 7% of 175 million = 12.25 million

Service = 16% of 175 million = 28 million

Clerical = 18% of 175 million = 31.5 million

Hence in all the three categories there was a rise i.e. option E
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Is there any less time consuming method?

Unfortunately, I do think no. The approach above is really to the core.

Sometimes, you do need to reach the solution via trial and error. Sometimes there is a shortcut (honestly, a lot of time but it depends on the question at stake)

Sometimes, the only approach is time-consuming. The trick is to gain time whenever is possible

Regards