Finley's pumpkin had a mass of 6.5 kilograms (kg) before he carved it. After carving it, the pumpkin had a mass of 3.9 (kg).
What was the percent decrease in the mass of the pumpkin?

40% decrease.

Step-by-step explanation: To find the percent decrease we will be using the "Percent Decrease" equation.

change = percent change x actual

To find the change subtract 3.9 from 6.5, which is 2.6 kg, or 2.6 as the change.

2.6 = percent change x actual

The actual is 6.5, because the actual or original mass of the pumpkin was 6.5 kg.

2.6 = percent change x 6.5       (Solve for p, percent change.)

2.6 = p x 6.5

2.6/6.5 = p

0.4 = p

Now, to find the percent decrease multiply the decimal 0.4 by 100.

0.4 x 100 = 40, or 40%.