Question

In Country C, the unemployment rate among construction workers dropped from 16 percent on September 1, 1992, to 9 percent on September 1, 1996. If the number of construction workers was 20 percent greater on September 1, 1996, than on September 1, 1992, what was the approximate percent change in the number of unemployed construction workers over this period?

Answer 1

Answer: 30% change in the number of unemployed construction workers over this period

Explanation:

September 1, 1992

The total number of construction workers = 1,000 (assume);

16% are unemployed, so the number of unemployed workers is 16*1000/100= 160.

September 1, 1996

The total number of construction workers 20% greater 20*1000/100+1000=1200;

9% are unemployed, thus the number of unemployed workers = 9*1200/100=108.

Decrease is 52, which is approximately 30% of 160.