Question

By what percent will a fraction increase if its numerator is decreased by 60% and its denominator is decreased by 20%?

Answer 1

9514 1404 393

Answer:

-50%

Explanation:

Suppose the fraction is f = p/q before any changes.

Decreasing the numerator by 60% multiplies it by (1 -0.60) = 0.4.

Decreasing the denominator by 20% multiplies it by (1 -0.20) = 0.8.

Then the new fraction is ...

f' = p(0.4)/(q(0.8)) = (p/q)(0.4/0.8) = f(0.5) = f(1 -0.50) = f(1 +(-50%))

The increase in the value of the fraction is -50%.