Problem: Wwo sentences:
The blue-chip Dow Jones industrial average eased 44 points , or 0.47 percent , to 9,543 , after scoring five consecutive up sessions .
The Dow Jones industrial average .DJI rose 18.25 points , or 0.19 percent , to 9,586.71 .
Do they have the same meaning?

Answer: no

Problem: Wwo sentences:
Median household income declined 1.1 percent between 2001 and 2002 to $ 42,409 .
The median household earned income fell $ 500 over the same period to $ 42,400 .
Do they have the same meaning?

Answer: yes

Problem: Wwo sentences:
Chances were , he said more than a week ago , he would see people who year after year pick the same place to sit .
Chances are , he will see people who year after year pick the same place to sit .
Do they have the same meaning?

Answer: yes

Problem: Wwo sentences:
In January 1996 , two of his nude models were arrested atop of a Manhattan snowdrift , posed beneath an ice-cream parlor sign that advertised Frozen Fantasies .
On Jan. 12 , 1996 , two of his nude models were arrested atop of a Manhattan snowdrift , posed beneath an ice-cream parlor sign that advertised " Frozen Fantasies . "
Do they have the same meaning?

Answer:
yes