, 2023

Solution 1

Suppose that the original number is 100.

When 100 is increased by 60%, the result is 160.

To return to the original value of 100, 160 must be decreased by
60.

This percentage is $\$\frac{60}{160} \times$
100\% = $\frac{3}{8} \times$ 100\% = 37.5\%$.

Solution 2

Suppose that the original number is $x$ for some $x
> 0$.

When $x$ is increased by 60%, the
result is $1.6x$.

To return to the original value of $x$, $1.6x$ must be decreased by $0.6x$.

This percentage is $\$\frac{0.6x}{1.6x} \times$
100\% = $\frac{3}{8} \times$ 100\% = 37.5\%$.