Final answer:
To find the percent decrease in weight, find the difference between the initial weight and the final weight, divide that difference by the initial weight, and multiply by 100.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the percent decrease in weight, we need to find the difference between the initial weight and the final weight, and then divide that difference by the initial weight to get the decimal form of the percent decrease. Finally, we will multiply that decimal by 100 to get the percentage.
Step 1: Find the difference between the initial weight and the final weight:
476,980 tons - 238,490 tons = 238,490 tons.
Step 2: Divide the difference by the initial weight:
238,490 tons ÷ 476,980 tons = 0.5.
Step 3: Multiply the decimal by 100 to get the percentage:
0.5 × 100 = 50%.
The weight of the goods on the ship has decreased by 50%.