The relative decrease change. Definition:
The relative decrease change is the difference in an indicator over two periods in time, v1 - v2, relative to the value of the indicator in the earlier period, v1.
- Where:
- v1 - is called the reference value (original, initial number);
- v2 - is called the new value (the end value).
- In our case: v1 = 625, v2 = 864.8.
The relative decrease change. Formula:
The relative decrease change =
The actual change / |v1|
(v1 - v2) / |v1| =
- Legend:
- v1 - the original number
- |v1| - the positive value of v1, |v1| >= 0. By example: |10| = 10; |-10| = 10.
- v2 - the new value
- The actual change = v1 - v2
- / - the fraction bar (division)
Why do we use |v1| in the formula instead of v1?
- Let's see what happens if we use v1 instead of |v1|:
- Choose a random negative number as the initial value: - 49.
- Choose a random positive number for the end value: 65.
Formula and calculation:
(v1 - v2) / v1 =
(- 49 - 65) / - 49 =
-114 / - 49 ≈
2.326530612245 ≈
2.33
Although the absolute difference is negative: -114, the relative decrease change is positive: 2.33. By using |v1| instead of v1, the error is corrected.
The relative percent decrease change. Detailed calculations below
By multiplying a number by the fraction 100/100,
we change only the form of the result, not the result.
- 100/100 = 100% = 100 ÷ 100 = 1.
- n × 100/100 = (n × 100)/100 = (n × 100)%, any number.
The relative percent decrease change. Formula:
The relative percent decrease change =
The relative decrease change × 100/100 =
(The relative decrease change × 100)/100 =
(The relative decrease change × 100)%
Calculate the relative percent decrease change:
(625 - 864.8)/|625| =
- 239.8/625 =
- 239.8 ÷ 625 =
- 239.8 ÷ 625 × 100/100 =
(- 239.8 × 100 ÷ 625)/100 =
(- 23,980 ÷ 625)/100 =
- 38.368/100 =
- 38.368% ≈
- 38.37%
(Rounded off to max. 2 decimal places)
The relative percent decrease change
from the original, initial value 625 to the final, end value 864.8:
Not rounded = - 38.368%
Rounded off to max. 2 decimal places ≈ - 38.37%
The absolute (actual) difference
625 - 864.8 = - 239.8
By what percentage has 625 decreased?
Answer: By ≈ - 38.37%
By what percentage is 864.8 smaller than 625?
Answer: By ≈ - 38.37%
The relative percent decrease change is negative,
so in this case we really have a relative percent increase instead
(the value goes up).