Grade 7 · Percent change
Design constraint: Track the percent reference base
Design constraint investigation: track the percent reference base. Change the quantities, follow the motion, and explain the result using the displayed mathematical relationship.
Predict what will happen, press Play, then pause and explain what changed. Every control also works without playback.
Watch the relationship
PausedHD animation studio
From experiment to screen.
Present a crisp Canvas scene, save a full-HD image, or capture your model as a silent video.
Understand what you are seeing
The idea behind the motion.
A percentage change is calculated from a specified original amount. An increase adds a positive part and a decrease adds a negative part. Applying the same percentage to the new amount generally does not undo the first change because the reference whole has changed. This investigation begins with original amount = 140; signed percent change = 60. Treat the named setting as a constructed classroom model, then explain which relationships would still hold if its numbers changed.
A relationship to keep
new = original × (1 + percent/100)
Read the symbols alongside the explanation. A diagram shows the relationship; the assumptions tell you when it applies.
- STEP 1
Represent the given quantities
Keep the original amount visible as the reference for the requested signed percentage.
- STEP 2
Follow the changing model
Watch the second bar extend for an increase or shorten for a decrease; the change is original×percent/100.
- STEP 3
Check and explain the relationship
Compare the new and old amounts. To reverse the process, divide by the multiplier instead of simply changing the percent sign.
Your turn to explain
Make a prediction. Test your reasoning.
Design constraint: Change 140 by 60%. What is the new amount?
Use the values specified in the question. Reset restores the initial values for this investigation.
Compare your explanation
224; the signed change is 84, calculated from the original 140.
Work through a full lesson
Connect the animation to a worked example and practice questions.