Research & analysisData journalismtext

Trace a reported number to its dataset

Checks denominators, revisions and definitions.

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Prompt

Inputs: [NEWS CLAIM], [LINKED REPORT], [DATA TABLE]. Find the underlying table and reproduce the stated number if possible. Note period, geography, denominator and revisions. Output: A calculation trail, discrepancy table and cautious conclusion. Check: No number is accepted solely because it appears in a headline. If essential information is missing, identify it rather than filling the gap with a guess. Keep the original headline wording beside the reconstructed calculation for direct comparison.