First, lets convert them into multipliers:
The multiplier for a:
25% increase = 1.25
40% decrease = 0.6
40% increase = 1.4
Now to work out the overall percentage change, we just times all of the multipliers together, and convert it back to a percentage:
1.25 x 0.6 x 1.4 = 1.05
So the overall multiplier is 1.05
And a multiplier of 1.05 = a <u>5% increase</u>.
That means that the percentage change is + 5%
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Answer:
The percentage change in shares from the start of 2013 to the end of 2015 is:
+ 5%
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Note: if you haven't been taught multipliers - then ask and I'll try my best to explain!