Question

A positive number instead of being multiplied by 6 is divided by 6. Find the approximate percentage error between the two values.

• A. 38
• B. 97
• C. 83
• D. 75

Answer 1

The correct option is B

97

Let the number be x.

When it is multiplied by 6, the number obtained will be 6x.

The number was divided by 6 instead.
Thus, the number obtained is $\frac{x}{6}$.

Hence, percentage error = $\frac{6x-\frac{x}{6}}{6x}\times 100\%$

$=\frac{36x-x}{36x}\times 100\%$

$=\frac{35}{36}\times 100\%$

$\approx 97\%$