Quote:
From 2011 to 2012, Jack’s annual salary increased by 10 percent and Arnie’s annual salary decreased by 5 percent. If their annual salaries were equal in 2012, then Arnie’s annual salary in 2011 was what percent greater than Jack’s annual salary in 2011?
For this problem, make sure to plug in for the foundation variable to make the problem easier. Here, set they're equal salaries in 2012 = 100 each.
Then, use the calculator to solve for each of the salaries in 2011.
Jack 2011 : 100 = 1.1x = 90.91.
Arnie : 100 = .95x = 105.26
Finally, solve for the % change. (Difference = 14.35 / Original = 90.91) x 100 --> 15.79 rounded to 15.8% greater.