Problem 5

Explanation

We need to calculate the percentage decrease for each option. The formula for percentage decrease is:

1. Shirts in 2011—2012:

   • Value 2011 = 50
   • Value 2012 = 35
   • Decrease = $\frac{50 - 35}{50} \times 100\% = \frac{15}{50} \times 100\% = 30\%$

2. Suits in 2014—2015:

   • Value 2014 = 60
   • Value 2015 = 50
   • Decrease = $\frac{60 - 50}{60} \times 100\% = \frac{10}{60} \times 100\% = 16.67\%$

3. Shirts in 2012—2013:

   • Value 2012 = 35
   • Value 2013 = 20
   • Decrease = $\frac{35 - 20}{35} \times 100\% = \frac{15}{35} \times 100\% \approx 42.86\%$

4. Suits in 2012—2013:

   • Value 2012 = 55
   • Value 2013 = 45
   • Decrease = $\frac{55 - 45}{55} \times 100\% = \frac{10}{55} \times 100\% \approx 18.18\%$

5. Pants in 2013—2014:

   • Value 2013 = 50
   • Value 2014 = 40
   • Decrease = $\frac{50 - 40}{50} \times 100\% = \frac{10}{50} \times 100\% = 20\%$

From the calculations above, the smallest percentage decrease is Suits in 2014—2015, which is 16.67%.