Multiple choice

If a number is increased by 20% and then decreased by 20%, the net increase/decrease percentage will be

  1. No change

  2. 4% increase

  3. 4% decrease

  4. 9% decrease
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

A percentage increase of x followed by a decrease of x results in a net change of -(x^2)/100. Here, -(20^2)/100 = -400/100 = -4%.

AI explanation

Using the successive percentage change formula of X + Y + (XY / 100), we substitute 20 for X and -20 for Y. This gives 20 - 20 - (400 / 100), resulting in a net change of -4%. The negative value indicates a 4% decrease.

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