Final answer:
The percent decrease in the amount of candy Mrs. Baily had after giving some away is 80%. This is calculated by the formula: Percent decrease = ((original amount - new amount) / original amount) × 100%.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question asks how to calculate the percent decrease of candy that Mrs. Baily had after giving some away. Mrs. Baily originally had 15 pieces of candy and was left with 3 pieces after giving some away. To find the percent decrease, we can use the formula:
Percent decrease = ((original amount - new amount) / original amount) × 100%
Let's apply this formula step-by-step:
- Original amount of candy = 15 pieces
- New amount of candy = 3 pieces
- Decrease in amount of candy = 15 pieces - 3 pieces = 12 pieces
- Plug these values into the formula:
Percent decrease = (12 / 15) × 100% = 0.8 × 100% = 80%
So, the percent decrease in the amount of candy Mrs. Baily had is 80%.