Question

The population of a small town decreased from 32,500 people in 1990 to 28,200 in 2000. What is the percent decrease in population?

15

13

87

10

Answer 1

The percent decrease is about 13%

Answer 2

% change = ((new value) - (old value))/(old value) × 100%
  = (28200 - 32500)/(32500) × 100%
  = -4300/32500 × 100%
  = -0.1323 × 100%
  = -13.23%

The negative sign indicates it is a decrease of 13.23%.

The percent decrease in population is 13.