16Hit1600
Problem-Solving and Data AnalysisVery hardNet change after a fall and a rise

Problem-Solving and Data Analysis practice question

A town's population fell by 20% between 2010 and 2020 and then rose by 25% between 2020 and 2030. By what percent did the population change between 2010 and 2030?

Answer: 0

0.8 × 1.25 = 1.00, so the population ended where it started: a 0% change.

Common wrong answers

If you answered 5
5% adds the two percentages, ignoring that they apply to different bases.
If you answered 45
45% treats the changes as 20% and 25% of the original added together.
If you answered -5
−5% subtracts them the other way.

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