Jay: We have too many people working on each of our computers in the o...
Ada tells Jay that there are as many people in her office as in his, but fails to mention how many computers there are. If there is one computer to each person in her office, her argument is be invalid. To strengthen her argument she should show a similar ratio of computers to users. Thus C is the best answer. The actual number of people, computers or breakdowns is not really important as it is the usage that is in dispute. Thus answers A, D and E are not suitable. The type of computers is, no doubt, important in robustness, but the point that Ada is answering is whether there are too many people handling the same computer, and so we cannot choose B.
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Jay: We have too many people working on each of our computers in the o...
Introduction:
In this argument, Jay claims that the high frequency of breakdowns in their office computers is due to too many people handling the same hardware. Ada counters this by stating that their office, which has just as many people, experiences fewer system repairs, suggesting that their systems must be more robust. To strengthen her argument, Ada needs to provide data on a specific factor that differentiates their office from Jay's office.
Explanation:
To strengthen Ada's argument, we need to identify a factor that could explain the difference in repair frequency between the two offices. Let's examine each option:
A) Actual number of people in the two offices:
The actual number of people in each office does not provide any information about the robustness of the systems or the frequency of repairs. This information is irrelevant to the argument.
B) Type of computers that are in both offices:
The type of computers in each office may play a role in the frequency of repairs. However, this information alone does not address the difference in repair frequency and does not specifically strengthen Ada's argument.
C) Ratio of computers to users in her office:
This is the correct answer. The ratio of computers to users in Ada's office is relevant because it provides a potential explanation for the lower repair frequency. If there is a lower ratio of computers to users in Ada's office compared to Jay's office, it means that each computer in Ada's office is being used by fewer people, reducing the wear and tear on the hardware. This would support Ada's claim that their systems are more robust.
D) Number of visits by computer engineers to service the computers in Jay's office:
The number of visits by computer engineers to repair the computers in Jay's office may indicate the frequency of breakdowns. However, this information does not directly strengthen Ada's argument about the robustness of their systems.
E) Number of computers in Jay's office:
The number of computers in Jay's office does not provide any information about the robustness of the systems or the frequency of repairs. This information is irrelevant to the argument.
Conclusion:
The correct answer is option C. By providing data on the ratio of computers to users in her office, Ada strengthens her argument by suggesting that the lower repair frequency is due to the reduced strain on the hardware caused by fewer people using each computer.