Question

What was the percent growth in Home Depot's sales from 2002 to 2006.
2002 net sales was $52.1 billion
2006 net sales was $90.8 billion
do the work in scientific notation

I do not understand how to do this, please I need help.

Answer 1

Step back a pace and grapple with the idea of % growth.

If you had $10 and it grew by 50%, then the new amount would be (1 + .5) times the old amount.

If something grows by x%, just multiply it by (1 + x/100)

So, in this case, 52.1 * (1 + r/100) = 90.8

You just have to figure out what r is.

1+r/100 = 90.8E10/5.21E10 = 1.74

r/100 = .74
r = 74

So, the growth is 74%.

That is, it grew by 38.7, which is 74% of 52.1, the starting amount.