Tuesday, 23 March 2010

Percentage Increase in Perimeter

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Percentage is a nice and mystery word in maths.

Why do I say that?

Look at the example below:

If the perimeter has increased by 30%, does the length also increases by the same amount?

The answer is obviously YES.

Next,

If the perimeter is increased by 30%, does the area covered by it also increases by the same amount?

???  The answer needs some pondering, right?

Answer to this:
If the perimeter is increased by 30%, the length and width will both increase by 30%.
This makes the area increase by 2(30%) + (30% x 30%) = ?

(I will explain this maths calculation in a later  post.)
For now, let's concentrate on the maths operation.

What do you get from 30% x 30%?
30% = 0.3
Thus 30% x 30% = 0.3 x 0.3 = 0.09 = 9%

This is a potential mathematical  mistake.
Error:  30% x 30% = 900% !

So, increase in area becomes 60% + 9% = 69%

Interesting how the mind works.

If the mind is not clear when doing maths, common mistakes do occur.
With more practice, however, this form of mistakes will be lesser.

Hence, be careful when dealing with parameter such as perimeter, length and AREA.
Know their relation and be aware of the "catch" when this type of maths question is being asked.

Do not fall for the maths trick.

:-)
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