11.   Because a higher acceptance rate means potentially higher bad-debt losses, the bank will also set up a reserve account funded with a percentage of billings.

12.   A higher bit rate means better sound quality, but also a larger file size.

13.   A lower and slower rate means the universe has had more time to evolve.

14.   A higher growth rate would mean more tax revenues and a bigger surplus.

15.   A higher launch rate means a lower cost per launch for the Air Force.

16.   A higher rate means less money needs to be set aside to pay for future benefits.

17.   A rising divorce rate means that more older people are searching for love for a second or a third time.

18.   A rising productivity rate has meant that workers have produced more each hour on the job.

19.   But a higher rate of false alarms means that more bags have to be opened and checked by inspectors, which slows the process.

20.   But rising rates can mean profit opportunities, too.