Task: Table-QA (source dataset: FinQA)

Task: 
You are given a table containing structured data and a natural language question referring to the table. Your goal is to analyze the table and provide an accurate and concise answer based on the given data.

Instructions:
1. Understand the Table: Examine the structure, headers, and data in the table. Identify relevant columns and rows related to the question.
2. Interpret the Question: Determine whether the question requires direct retrieval, aggregation, comparison, sorting, filtering, or inference.
3. Extract the Answer: Use logical reasoning and numerical operations (if necessary) to derive the correct response from the table.
4. Format the Answer: No explanation, return the answer in a structured JSON format: {"answer": <answer>}. If the question cannot be answered due to missing or ambiguous data, return a JSON response with {"answer": null}.

Table:
| Unnamed: 0        | targetassetallocation   | 2016actualassetallocation   | 2015actualassetallocation   |
|:------------------|:------------------------|:----------------------------|:----------------------------|
| debt securities   | 72% ( 72 % )            | 72% ( 72 % )                | 72% ( 72 % )                |
| equity securities | 28                      | 28                          | 28                          |
| total             | 100% ( 100 % )          | 100% ( 100 % )              | 100% ( 100 % )              |

Question:
based on the 2016 actual asset allocation what was the debt to equity ratio


pre_text: republic services , inc .
notes to consolidated financial statements 2014 ( continued ) we determine the discount rate used in the measurement of our obligations based on a model that matches the timing and amount of expected benefit payments to maturities of high quality bonds priced as of the plan measurement date .
when that timing does not correspond to a published high-quality bond rate , our model uses an expected yield curve to determine an appropriate current discount rate .
the yields on the bonds are used to derive a discount rate for the liability .
the term of our obligation , based on the expected retirement dates of our workforce , is approximately eight years .
in developing our expected rate of return assumption , we have evaluated the actual historical performance and long-term return projections of the plan assets , which give consideration to the asset mix and the anticipated timing of the plan outflows .
we employ a total return investment approach whereby a mix of equity and fixed income investments are used to maximize the long-term return of plan assets for what we consider a prudent level of risk .
the intent of this strategy is to minimize plan expenses by outperforming plan liabilities over the long run .
risk tolerance is established through careful consideration of plan liabilities , plan funded status and our financial condition .
the investment portfolio contains a diversified blend of equity and fixed income investments .
furthermore , equity investments are diversified across u.s .
and non-u.s .
stocks as well as growth , value , and small and large capitalizations .
derivatives may be used to gain market exposure in an efficient and timely manner ; however , derivatives may not be used to leverage the portfolio beyond the market value of the underlying investments .
investment risk is measured and monitored on an ongoing basis through annual liability measurements , periodic asset and liability studies , and quarterly investment portfolio reviews .
the following table summarizes our target asset allocation for 2016 and actual asset allocation as of december 31 , 2016 and 2015 for our plan : target allocation actual allocation actual allocation .
post_text: for 2017 , the investment strategy for pension plan assets is to maintain a broadly diversified portfolio designed to achieve our target of an average long-term rate of return of 5.56% ( 5.56 % ) .
while we believe we can achieve a long- term average return of 5.56% ( 5.56 % ) , we cannot be certain that the portfolio will perform to our expectations .
assets are strategically allocated among debt and equity portfolios to achieve a diversification level that reduces fluctuations in investment returns .
asset allocation target ranges and strategies are reviewed periodically with the assistance of an independent external consulting firm. .
label: 2.57143
qa: answer: 2.57
explanation: the debt to equity ratio show the way a company is financed with both equity and debt
ann_table_rows: 1
2
steps: op: divide1-1
arg1: 72
arg2: 28
res: 2.57
program: divide(72, 28)
gold_inds: table_1: the debt securities of targetassetallocation is 72% ( 72 % ) ; the debt securities of 2016actualassetallocation is 72% ( 72 % ) ; the debt securities of 2015actualassetallocation is 72% ( 72 % ) ;
table_2: the equity securities of targetassetallocation is 28 ; the equity securities of 2016actualassetallocation is 28 ; the equity securities of 2015actualassetallocation is 28 ;
exe_ans: 2.57143
tfidftopn: text_15: the following table summarizes our target asset allocation for 2016 and actual asset allocation as of december 31 , 2016 and 2015 for our plan : target allocation actual allocation actual allocation .
program_re: divide(72, 28)
model_input: table_1
the debt securities of targetassetallocation is 72% ( 72 % ) ; the debt securities of 2016actualassetallocation is 72% ( 72 % ) ; the debt securities of 2015actualassetallocation is 72% ( 72 % ) ;
table_2
the equity securities of targetassetallocation is 28 ; the equity securities of 2016actualassetallocation is 28 ; the equity securities of 2015actualassetallocation is 28 ;
table_3
the total of targetassetallocation is 100% ( 100 % ) ; the total of 2016actualassetallocation is 100% ( 100 % ) ; the total of 2015actualassetallocation is 100% ( 100 % ) ;