Answer
The percentage change in the number of foreclosed homes is -20%.
It is a percent decrease.
Work Step by Step
In 2013, 120 homes were in foreclosure. In 2012, 150 homes were in foreclosure.
To find the percentage change, we use the following formula:
percentage change = $\frac{New\ amount\ -\ Original\ amount}{Original\ amount}$ $\times$ 100%
The original amount is 150. The new amount is 120. Substituting these values into the formula yields:
percentage change = $\frac{120\ -\ 150}{150}$ $\times$ 100%
percentage change = $\frac{-30}{150}$ $\times$ 100%
percentage change = -0.2 $\times$ 100%
percentage change = -20%
Because the percentage change is a negative number, it is a percent decrease.
