Question

The population of a country has been decreasing for several decades. In​ 1990, the population was about 165 million people. In​ 2010, the population was about 158 million people. Determine the percent decrease in the​ country's population during this time period.

Answer 1

To find percent decrease and increase you must subtract the original value (old value) with the new value. Then divide the value you get by the original value and multiply by 100:

165-158 = 7

7÷ 165 × 100 = 4.2424....% or 4.2% rounded to 2 significant figures.