Passage Summary: Larew thinks the poor are doing better compared to the rich because their raises were a bigger percentage of their pay. Mendota disagrees, pointing out that the rich actually got way more total money in their raises.

Reasoning: Larew argues the poor's prosperity increased relative to the rich because their percentage income growth was higher; Mendota argues the rich's prosperity increased more because their absolute dollar increase was larger.

Analysis: This is a classic 'math-off' where both speakers agree on the numbers but disagree on what they signify. Larew is focused on the rate of growth, while Mendota is focused on the raw amount of wealth accumulated. They are fundamentally clashing over the definition of 'relative economic prosperity.' To identify the point at issue, use the Agree/Disagree test. Larew would say 'Yes, the poor's prosperity increased relative to the rich,' while Mendota explicitly says 'I disagree.' Look for an answer that captures this specific disagreement over relative gains.