In this assignment, we will look at measures of the evolution of gender ratios in educational attainment over time in several world regions. The gender ratio is defined as the regional average of total years of schooling for females (15-64 years of age) divided by the corresponding regional average of total years of schooling for males (15-64 years of age). In a perfect world, the data would be 100% for all regions, meaning that men and women are receiving the same amount of education on average. A quick scan of the data shows this is very far from reality.

From the 1990 and 1996, 1985 and 1990, I used The average rate of change

1990 and 1995= -71.7%

1985 and 1990=-103.1%

The instantaneous rate of change 1990=-103.1%

The two values should de different. Why do these methods produce different answer

which one do you think is a better representation of the true instantaneous rate of change in 1990? Give the reasons, both mathematical and historical to support you answer?