FDP 4th Edition Page 99

[mnuma1]

I am having a hard time understanding the way the strategy book recommends we solve the "Other Percent Change" problem found on page 99 of the FDP Strategy Boook (4th edition).

The problem is the following:

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%

I am mainly interested in knowing the best way to approach this problem, or an explanation of why the strategy book solved it the way they did.

Thanks!

[tim]

I’m going to leave you very unsatisfied by answering both of your questions literally:

What is the best way to approach this problem? The way we did it in the strategy guide.

Why did the strategy guide solve the problem the way it did? Because it’s the best way to approach the problem.

Was there something you didn’t understand about the solution in the strategy guide? If so, let us know where you got stuck and we’ll be glad to help you..