ktrout2020 wrote:In the first quarter of 2008, Harry's Hardware Store sold 300 hammers and 12,000 nails. In the second quarter of 2008, the store sold 375 hammers and 18,000 nails. By approximately what percent did the ratio of hammers sold to nails sold decrease from the first quarter to the second quarter.
A. 0.4%
B. 2.1%
C. 2.5%
D. 17%
E. 25%
Source: Manhattan Prep
The ratio of hammers to nails in the first quarter was 300/12,000 = 3/120 = 1/40. The ratio of hammers to nails in the second quarter was 375/18,000 = 1/48.
We can use the percent change formula: (New - Old)/Old x 100 to create the equation:
(375/18,000 - 300/12,000)/(300/12,000) x 100
(1/48 - 1/40)/(1/40) x 100
(5/240 - 6/240)/(1/40) x 100
-1/240 x 40 x 100 = -1/6 x 100 = -16.67%, which is approximately a 17% decrease.
Answer: D
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