This is a classic problem that requires you to calculate the percentage change of a number relative to an initial value. To calculate the percentage change, do the following:
- Find the difference between the initial and final values
- Divide the difference by the initial value
- Convert the quotient to a percentage
%change = [final value - initial value] divided by [initial value] multiplied by 100
Find the difference between the initial and final values
In this case, a man's hourly wage increased from $12.50 to $13.50. The difference between the hourly wages is $13.50 - $12.50 = $1.00.
Divide the difference by the initial value
$12.50 is the initial hourly wage
[$1.00 ÷ $12.50] = 0.08
Convert the quotient to a percentage
0.08 x 100 = 8%
The man's hourly wage increased by 8%.