EXAMPLE 3.1.10

In July, Gomer had 12 pet wolverines and 10 fingers. In August, he had 15 pet wolverines and 8 fingers.

1. Find the percent increase in his wolverines.

A. 25%

B. 125%

C. 30%

D. 3%

2. Find the percent decrease in his fingers.

A. 80%

B. 180%

C. 20%

D. 120%

EXAMPLE 3.1.10 SOLUTIONS

1. The number of wolverines is increasing from 12 to 15. Thus the "beginning amount" is 12 and the "ending amount" is 15 in the formula

The number of wolverines has increasing by 25%, which is choice A.

2. The number of fingers is decreasing from 10 to 8, so we let the "beginning amount" be 10 and the "ending amount" be 8 in the formula

This is choice C.