Question

Solve the problem. Round to the nearest tenth of a percent.In 1999 startup company increased workforce by 30%. In 2001it decreased workforce by 30%. How does the size of itsworkforce at the end of 2001 compare with the size of theworkforce at the beginning of 1999?

Answer 1

If x is the original amount of the startup workforce, then after 1999 they had:

`x(1+0.30)=1.3x`

workforce, and after 2001 they had:

`(x+0.30x)\cdot(1-0.30)=1.3x(0.7)=0.91x\text{.}`

Therefore, the final amount of workforce is less than the one in 2001.

Answer: The workforce was reduced by 9%.