Critical Reasoning (CR) | Re: In the United States between 1850 and 1880, the number of farmers cont

Only E provides the direct contradiction as required by question stem.

E. The proportion of farmers in the general population increased from 68 percent in 1850 to 72 percent in 1880.

Suppose there were 1000 total population in 1850 so farmers = 680 now even if population increase by 1000 more in 1880.

Total people = 2000 and 72% of 2000 = 1440 so farmers increased by 1440-680 = 760, so no of farmers increased at greater rate than (240) rest of population.

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