Source : GRE Official Guide : Set 6. Reading Comprehension Questions: Hard
Do not understand the answer for this question, how does it directly contradict the information above and not strengthen it?
Sure! Let’s say that in 1850 the general population was 100 people and 68 of them were farmers. This means that the proportion of farmers in the general population was 68%.
Now, let’s say that by 1880 the general population had increased to 200 people. If the proportion of farmers in the general population had increased to 72%, then there would be 144 farmers in 1880.
However, according to the information given, the number of farmers increased at a rate lower than that of the general population. This means that the number of farmers in 1880 must be less than 144.
Therefore, statement E) contradicts the information given.