Chapter 4 - Proportions, Percents, and Solving Inequalities - 4.2 - Percents and Problem Solving - Problem Set 4.2 - Page 155: 31

The percent of change is -12.5%, so it is a percent decrease.

At the beginning, the client weighted 320 pounds. At the end, the client weighted 280 pounds. To find the percent change, we use this formula. Percent of change = $\frac{New\ amount\ -\ Original\ amount}{Original\ amount}$ $\times$ 100% Percent of change =$\frac{280\ -\ 320}{320}$ $\times$ 100% Percent of change = $\frac{-40}{320}$ $\times$ 100% -0.125 $\times$ 100 = -12.5%