Introduction:

Calculating the percentage difference between two numbers is a common mathematical operation that helps compare quantities and track changes. It is particularly useful in understanding growth and decline concerning financial matters, data analysis, and statistical research. In this article, we will explore how to calculate the percentage difference between two numbers easily.

Step 1: Identify the Two Numbers

To calculate the percentage difference, you need to have two numbers to compare. Let’s denote these two numbers as A and B.

Step 2: Find the Difference Between the Two Numbers

First, you need to find the absolute difference between both numbers. To do this, subtract the smaller number from the larger number without considering their sign:

Difference = |A – B|

Step 3: Calculate the Average of Two Numbers

In this step, you need to find the average of both original numbers A and B:

Average = (A + B) / 2

Step 4: Divide the Difference by the Average

Now that we have found both the difference and average, it’s time to divide them:

Percentage Difference = Difference / Average

Step 5: Convert to a Percentage

Finally, multiply by 100 to express your result as a percentage:

Percentage Difference (%) = Percentage Difference * 100

Let’s take an example to illustrate these steps:

Example:

Suppose we have two numbers:

A = 60

B = 80

1. Calculate the absolute difference between both numbers:

Difference = |A – B| = |60 – 80| = |-20|= 20

2. Calculate the average of both numbers:

Average = (A + B) / 2 = (60 + 80) / 2 =140/2=70

3. Divide the difference by the average:

Percentage Difference = Difference / Average = 20 / 70

4. Convert the result to a percentage:

Percentage Difference (%) = Percentage Difference * 100 = (20 / 70) * 100 ≈ 28.57%

Thus, the percentage difference between both numbers is approximately 28.57%.

Conclusion:

Calculating the percentage difference between two numbers allows you to compare data and monitor changes effectively. It is important to understand this numerical concept, as it has a wide range of applications in real-life scenarios. With just a few simple steps, you can easily calculate the percentage difference between two numbers and use this information to make informed decisions.