 |
| ||
| |||
|
| Math Central | Quandaries & Queries |
|
Question from Carlos: If I calculate the percentage change between two fractions, say, 1/100 and 2/100, I get 100% change. Now, if I flip denominator and numerator, 100/1 and 100/2, and repeat the calculation, I get a 50% change. Why are the percentages different? Thank you very much |
Hi Carlos,
2/100 is twice 1/100 and thus when you invert them, 100/2 is half of 100/1. Said in terms of percentage, moving from 1/100 to 2/100 is a 100% increase and moving from 100/1 to 100/2 is a 50% decrease.
Penny
| ||
| ||
| ||
 |
 |
|
Math Central is supported by the University of Regina and The Pacific Institute for the Mathematical Sciences.