Percent Difference and Percent Change Confusion

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Percent Difference and Percent Change Confusion

Postby BlasianAsian » Sun Apr 15, 2012 3:39 pm

I know this is an easy concept for many, but I've been having trouble since day one whether or not to put that negative sign. Can someone please clarify this for me?
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Re: Percent Difference and Percent Change Confusion

Postby nsguy1350 » Sun Apr 15, 2012 3:54 pm

Well, if it goes down, then it should be negative, unless it's asking for percent decrease.
decrease/increase are always positive. At least in this contest.
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Re: Percent Difference and Percent Change Confusion

Postby BlasianAsian » Sun Apr 15, 2012 3:55 pm

Hmmm...I've seen some negatives before though...
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Re: Percent Difference and Percent Change Confusion

Postby 007math » Sun Apr 15, 2012 4:39 pm

Use your HP to do percent change; there is a %CHG key above TAN. I don't think I've ever missed one using my HP..
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Re: Percent Difference and Percent Change Confusion

Postby Shawn » Sun Apr 15, 2012 5:05 pm

007math wrote:Use your HP to do percent change; there is a %CHG key above TAN. I don't think I've ever missed one using my HP..

Yep, but be careful if it says percent decrease (not difference) that is the only time the negative sign goes away. HP is the best way to do it though 2 seconds each problem.
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