There were 20 dogs and 30 cats at an animal shelter last month. since then, the number of dogs in the shelter increased by 20%. in the same time period, the number of cats decreased by 20%. what is the percent decrease in the total number of dogs and cats at the animal shelter?

There is a 4% decrease

Step-by-Step:

if the previous total was 50, then each animal represents 2%. 50*2=100. if you are increasing the dogs by 20% of 20, then you are increasing them by 4 equaling out to 24 dogs. If your decreasing the cats by 20% of 30, then you are decreasing them by 6 equaling out to 24 cats. The new total of animals is now 48. Seeing how each animal still represent 2%, the new percentage is 96%. Subtracting the previous percentage from the new percentage gives a 4% difference.

50 * 2 = 100%

20 * 1.2 = 24

20 * .8 = 24

24 + 24 = 48

48 * 2 = 96%

100% - 96% = 4%

Try 50 * 2=100%

20 * 1.2=24

20 * .8=24

24+24=48

48 * 2=96%

100-96=4%