Question

The population of a place in a particular year increased by 15% next year it decreased by 15%. Find the net increase or decrease percent in the initial population

Answer 1

there was a decrease of 2.25%

Explanation:

Let me illustrate with an example

Assume the population is 100

percentage increase = 100 + 15 = 115% = 1.15%

Population after 15% increase = 100 x 1.15 = 115

Percentage decrease = 100 - 15 = 85% = 0.85

Population after 15% decreases 115 x 0.85 = 97.75

rate of increase = (97.75 / 100) - 1 = -2.25%