# Math Help - Compare

1. ## Compare

Hi there,

could someone remind me how to compare two values. I have 2.03085 and 2.495.

I know it should be something fairly simple, but just plain forgot!!

2. ## Re: Compare

What do you mean by compare?

3. ## Re: Compare

by saying the percentage of difference between each value

4. ## Re: Compare

First work out the difference, then write that difference as a proportion of the original amount, finally multiply by 100% to get the percentage.

5. ## Re: Compare

so 2.495-2.03085=0.46415

but then 'write as a proportion of the origional amount', which origional amount??

6. ## Re: Compare

You can take either number as your original amount. If you take 2.495 then you will express your "comparison" as a decrease. If you take the 2.03085 as the original then the change is an increase.

7. ## Re: Compare

so it could be 0.46415/2.495=0.186(100)=18.6% decrease?

8. ## Re: Compare

Yes, that seems ok.

9. ## Re: Compare

great, thank you for your help