Decrease
Definition of Decrease

• Decrease is the process of reducing something gradually.

Example of Decrease

• John’s weight was 76 pounds. He lost 2 pounds of weight every month for three consecutive months. After 3 months, his weight decreased to 70 pounds (as 76 – 3*2 = 70).

Solved Example on Decrease

Andrew's weight decreased from 72.2 pounds to 70.4 pounds. How much weight did Andrew lose?
Choices:
A. 1.8 pounds
B. 18 pounds
C. 0.18 pounds
D. 142.6 pounds
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Step 1: The original weight of Andrew was 72.2 pounds.
Step 2: His weight decreased to 70.4 pounds.
Step 3: The weight Andrew lost = original weight - present weight
= 72.2 - 70.4 = 1.8 [Substitute the weights.]
Step 4: Andrew lost 1.8 pounds.

Related Terms for Decrease

• Reduce
• Subtraction