The following three items (11-13) are based on the graph given below which shows imports of three different types of steel over a period of six months of a year. Study the graph and answer the three items that follow.

The figures in the brackets indicate the average cost per ton over six months period.

What was the approximate ratio of sheet steel and scrap steel imports in the first three months of the year?

The correct option is 1.2 : 1.

Step-by-step Explanation:

1. Analyzing the Bar Graph:
By examining the provided graph, we observe the import levels of three types of steel (Coil, Sheet, and Scrap) measured in thousands of tons on the vertical axis (which ranges from 20 to 44 in increments of 2) across the first six months of the year (January to June).
Based on the legend:

• Coil ($ 320) is represented by the white/plain bar.
• Sheet ($ 256) is represented by the vertically striped bar.
• Scrap ($ 175) is represented by the checkered/cross-hatched bar.

The question asks for the approximate ratio of sheet steel to scrap steel imports during the first three months of the year (January, February, and March).

2. Extracting the Data Points:
We read the height of the bars for the respective steel types during the first three months:

• January: Sheet steel import is 40 thousand tons, and Scrap steel import is 32 thousand tons.
• February: Sheet steel import is 37 thousand tons (midpoint between 36 and 38), and Scrap steel import is 34 thousand tons.
• March: Sheet steel import is 36 thousand tons, and Scrap steel import is 32 thousand tons.

3. Calculating the Sum for Sheet Steel:
The total imports for Sheet steel in the first three months are calculated as:
$$40+37+36=113$$
So, the total is 113 thousand tons.

4. Calculating the Sum for Scrap Steel:
The total imports for Scrap steel in the first three months are calculated as:
$$32+34+32=98$$
So, the total is 98 thousand tons.

5. Finding the Ratio:
Now, we find the ratio of Sheet steel imports to Scrap steel imports:
$$\text{Ratio}=\frac{113}{98}\approx 1.153$$
Comparing this with the given options (1 : 1, 1.2 : 1, 1.4 : 1, 1.6 : 1), the value 1.153 is closest to 1.2.
Therefore, the approximate ratio of sheet steel to scrap steel imports in the first three months of the year is 1.2 : 1.