Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces (ALEKS) Basic Math Placement Practice Test

What is the first step to calculate the percent of change?

1. Percentage divided by the original amount

2. Change divided by the original amount

3. Original amount divided by the change

4. Change added to the original amount

The correct answer is: Change divided by the original amount

To calculate the percent of change, the first step is to determine the change in value, which is then divided by the original amount. The correct process begins by finding the difference between the new value and the original value, which gives you the change. Next, this change is divided by the original amount. This division expresses how much the original amount has changed as a fraction of that original amount. Finally, to convert this fraction into a percentage, you multiply by 100. By focusing on the ratio of the change to the original amount, this method allows for a clear and concise understanding of how significant the change is relative to where it started.