Mathematical equations can sometimes prove difficult to execute. An effective tool in addressing any mathematical problem is taking each component step by step to understand the full equation. To calculate the percentage difference between two numbers, we must first assign a value to the numbers. For example, the first number equals X (the lower number), and the second number equals Y (the higher number). The next step is to determine the difference between the two. This is achieved by completing simple division: X/Y= Z. Once you have that answer, subtract one: X/Y=Z -1= ? The next step in the mathematical equation is to ignore the negative sign and multiply by 100: X/Y=Z x 100 = the percentage difference. Another way to calculate the percentage difference between two numbers is: % difference = 100 - (X/Y x 100).
Whichever mathematical sentence you write to determine the percentage difference, it's important that you understand each component. Then choose the method that is easiest for you. Whether you start with division or subtraction, as long as you write the mathematical equation in the right format, the answer will be the same. One way to make sure you have the right answer is to write the equation in more than one way. If your answers match, then you have the correct answer; however, if they don’t then you need to rework the problem. There are a number of online resources including YouTube that provide math assistance at no charge. The videos on YouTube offer step by step procedures to follow to answer this and a host of other mathematical questions.
Whichever mathematical sentence you write to determine the percentage difference, it's important that you understand each component. Then choose the method that is easiest for you. Whether you start with division or subtraction, as long as you write the mathematical equation in the right format, the answer will be the same. One way to make sure you have the right answer is to write the equation in more than one way. If your answers match, then you have the correct answer; however, if they don’t then you need to rework the problem. There are a number of online resources including YouTube that provide math assistance at no charge. The videos on YouTube offer step by step procedures to follow to answer this and a host of other mathematical questions.