Final answer:
To calculate the percent of decrease from 87 pounds to 16 pounds, subtract the new weight from the original weight, divide by the original weight, and multiply by 100. Finally, round to the nearest tenth to get an approximate 81.6% decrease.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the percent of decrease from 87 pounds to 16 pounds, first calculate the amount of decrease, then divide by the original amount, and finally convert to a percentage by multiplying by 100.
Calculate the amount of decrease: 87 pounds - 16 pounds = 71 pounds.
Divide by the original amount: 71 pounds ∕ 87 pounds = 0.81609...
Convert to a percentage: 0.81609... × 100 = 81.609...%
Round to the nearest tenth of a percent: Approximately 81.6% decrease.