Find the percentage of the increase or decrease

Question

A bear weighed 13 stone 10 pounds. After months of hibernation it weighed 12 stone 8 pounds.

There are 14 pounds in a stone.

Calculate the reduction in the bear's weight as a percentage of its initial weight, correct to 1 d.p.

Answer 1

13x14+10 = 192 lbs., 12x14+8=176 lbs after hibernation

the bear lost 16 pounds after months of hibernation

16/192 = 4/48 = 1/12 = 0.08333... = about 8.3% reduction in weight

Answer 2

To express the reduction in the bear's weight as a percentage. We have to do 3 things

1. find the initial and final weight
2. Find the difference between them
3. Express the difference as a percentage of the initial weight

Find initial and final weight:

Initial weight = 13stone + 10lbs -> (13)(14lbs) + 10lbs = 192lbs as 1 stone equals 14lbs

Final weight = 12stone + 8lbs -> (12)(14lbs) + 8lbs = 176lbs as 1 stone equals 14lbs

Find the difference between them

Final weight - Initial weight = 192 - 176 =16

Express the difference as a percentage of the initial weight

(16 / 192) * 100% = 8.3333%

Thus, the reduction in the bear's weight as a percentage of its initial weight to 1 d.p. is

8.3%