Question

Find the percent of change in altitude if a weather balloon moves from 100 ft to 103 ft. Describe the percent of change as an increase or decrease. Round to the nearest tenth if necessary.


3%; increase


3%; decrease


2.6%; increase


3.4%; decrease

Answer 1

To calculate the percent change in altitude, you can use the formula:

\[
\text{Percent Change} = \left( \frac{\text{New Value} - \text{Old Value}}{\text{Old Value}} \right) \times 100
\]

In this case, the old value is 100 ft and the new value is 103 ft.

1. Calculate the difference:
\[
103 - 100 = 3
\]

2. Calculate the percent change:
\[
\text{Percent Change} = \left( \frac{3}{100} \right) \times 100 = 3\%
\]

Since the altitude increased from 100 ft to 103 ft, we describe this percent change as an increase.

Thus, the answer is: **3%; increase**.