This problem shows the number of increase of percentage of the losts due to fire over the years. => in 1981, the total amount losts because of the fire is over 1.1 million => In 1988, the total amount lost because of the fire increase to 9.6 million. Let's find out, how many percent did it increased. => 9.6 million - 1.1 million = 8 .5 millions , this amount was the difference => 8.5 million / 9.6 million = 0.89 => 0.89 * 100% = 89%