Percentages

Use percentages for an easily understood change from old figures to more recent figures. The change can be a percentage increase or decrease. To find the percentage, take the following steps:

1. Subtract the old figure from the new figure.
2. Divide the result of the subtraction by the old figure.
3. Strike the percentage key on the calculator.
4. Round off the figure.

Examples:

The Freeport Board of Education reported kindergarten enrollment this year had increased to 8,950 from 6,621 last year.

1. 8,950 - 6,221 = 2,729
2. 2,729 / 6,221
3. 43.867 percent
4. 43.9 percent increase

New vehicle registrations for the state last year totaled 238,645, down from 270,199 the previous year.

1. 238,645 - 270,199 = - 31,554 (A negative number indicates a decrease.)
2. 31,554 / 270,199
3. 11.678 percent
4. 11.7 percent decrease

Indicate the correct answer.

1			How much would a person pay back after borrowing $850 at 12 percent interest per year after one year?
			A)	$900
			B)	$1,052
			C)	$952
			D)	Do not know.
2			Which is true of 87 percent of 10?
			A)	Greater than 10.
			B)	Less than 10.
			C)	Cannot tell.
			D)	Do not know.
3			Ricky Williams of University of Texas received 714 first place votes out of all 838 cast for first for the Heisman Trophy (a football award). He received ____ percent of the total first-place votes.
			A)	85
			B)	76
			C)	90
			D)	Do not know
4			In California two years ago there were 2,916 murders. Last year there were 2,579 murders. That is a ___ percent decrease last year over the previous year.
			A)	13.1
			B)	11.6
			C)	88.4
			D)	Do not know
5			During a recent year, there were 129 violent crimes committed on 10 college and university campuses in Florida. Florida A&M University had the most crimes, 34, which is ___ percent of the total.
			A)	36.2
			B)	26.4
			C)	34
			D)	Do not know
6			The per capita consumption of bottled water in the United States last year totaled 12.2 gallons. Ten years ago, per capita consumption totaled 6.4 gallons of bottled water. This is an increase of ___ percent.
			A)	47.5
			B)	90.6
			C)	66.6
			D)	Do not know
7			Last year, 49,151 law enforcement officers were assaulted while on duty. That's ___ percent of the total of 451,980 officers.
			A)	12.2
			B)	9.8
			C)	10.9
			D)	Do not know
8			The southern states had ___ percent of the 49,151 assaults with 20,149.
			A)	50
			B)	41
			C)	47
			D)	Do not know
9			In the same year, 65 law enforcement officers were killed in the line of duty. California led with 7 deaths, or ___ percent of the total.
			A)	10.8
			B)	7.7
			C)	12.3
			D)	Do not know
10			The superintendent's office reported that 66 of the 219 public schools in the county — or ___ percent — need "immediate repair."
			A)	30
			B)	25
			C)	28
			D)	Do not know