A number increased by 20%, then decreased by 20%. What is the overall percentage change?
Answer
-4 percent
How to solve it
1
Start with 100
2
After 20% increase: 100 × 1.20 = 120
3
After 20% decrease: 120 × 0.80 = 96
4
Change: 96 - 100 = -4
5
Percentage: -4%
Hints
Try with 100 to make it easy
Calculate each change
Compare final to original