courtneyheinzel on Humzoo

Wednesday, March 11th, 2009
Humzoo Math Help

I'm putting together a presentation for the CEO. People are giving me stats for their particular areas of work. So, I'm checking the math....because it's what I do.

Someone said in 2007, we processed 18003 pieces. In 2008, we processed 17326 pieces. They say it's a decrease of 16%. I say it's a decrease of 3.8% Who is right?

Please show your work.

Tags: help

14 Comments

1) I think you're right. The amount dropped by 677, which is right around a 3.8% decrease. Actually, I got it as like 3.76something, but 3.8 is close enough.

Snelly Wednesday, March 11, 2009

2) I do like to be right....just ask Dave.

Anyone else care to confirm my rightness?

Also, bonus points to anyone that can figure out how the incorrect person came to their answer. Cuz I sure can't figure out how the coworker got theirs. It's intriguing me, though.

Courtney Heinzel Wednesday, March 11, 2009

3) I've been sitting here trying to figure out how they came to 16%, just to verify that 3.8 is right. But I can't figure out how they got it yet either.

Snelly Wednesday, March 11, 2009

4) 3.8% is right. 677/18003

Good News Wednesday, March 11, 2009

5) After conversing a bit with the coworker, they may have misread a spreadsheet. Oh boy. Now I have to look at the spreadsheet and interpret the data myself.

See...putting together the power point couldn't be just compiling other people's input. Now, I have to redo everything.

Courtney Heinzel Wednesday, March 11, 2009

6) Well, redoing it would give you peace of mind that it was done correctly!

Angi Wednesday, March 11, 2009

7) Some times people just make up numbers assuming that no one will even notice. Good catch, Courtney. It is now safe to switch the office back from de-caf.

Joe Wednesday, March 11, 2009

8) Scott...where are you?

Leslie Wednesday, March 11, 2009

9) HAHA, Leslie, I scrolled down looking for Scott. I thought he had some kind of alert when the word MATH was mentioned. :)

LGrant Wednesday, March 11, 2009

10) Hey, I may not be a math teacher but I do have a degree in this area so maybe I'm of some use.
I agree with you Courtney.
I set up the initial problem as 17326=x/100*18003
Solving for x gives 96.2395
So 17326 is around 96% of 18003
100-96.2395 gives the 3.76% which is the decrease.

Where did their 16% come from?

LimeyGeorge Wednesday, March 11, 2009

11) Crazy coworkers. Even I know that you're right on this one. I'm usually math retarded so thanks for the confidence boost, Courtney! Maybe Layne and I will take you to lunch while we're on leave.

soundchick Wednesday, March 11, 2009

12) I read the blog, saw the answer was posted, and took off my Math-Man spandex bodysuit.

Scott Wednesday, March 11, 2009

13) Wait.... Is Ethan a CEO now?

Betsy Friday, March 13, 2009

14) Yes, Betsy, and he likes to hear the numbers.

Update...it turns out the -16% was a figure for our change in headcount.

We do still have an issue with the percentage of change figured for this particular service, however. At this point, I'm just going to do it my way.

Courtney Heinzel Friday, March 13, 2009