Question

A number first increases by 40% and then again decreases by 60%. Find the percentage increase or decrease on the whole?

Answer 1

Let the no. be X

When it increase by 40%
New no. is X + 40/100 X
= X+ .4X
= 1.4 X

When it decrease by 60%
= 1.4x - .6 (1.4X)
= 1.4x - .84x
= .56 X

The new no. = .56 X

Old no. = X
.56X < X
Therefore no. decreases w.r.t initial no.

Percentage decrease is.
= X - .56 X
=.44X
Hence the no. decreases by .44 percentage