Question

A hardware store had 300 gallons of white paint on the shelves at the beginning of the month. At the end of the month, there were 252 gallons of white paint. What is the percent decrease in the number of gallons of white paint from the beginning of the month to the end?

Answer 1

Set an equation.
252/300=x/100
Cross multiply
25200=300x
Divide by 300
x=84

So the percent of white paint left is 84. To find the decrease, subtract 84 from 100.

Answer: The percent decrease of white paint from the beginning of the month to the end is 16.