Original: 15.6meters.

New: 11.4meters.

Since the new meters is greater than the original, this is a percent of increase.

The meters of change = New meters – Original meters.

 The meters of change = .

Let r be the percentage of increase.

Use the original number, 15.6 as the base.

The percent proportion is

To solve for r, first find the cross products.

                                (Multiply: )

                   (Divide each side by 15.6)

                                          (Cancel common terms)

                              (Divide: )

The percentage of decrease by .

The percent of change is a percent of decrease.

The percentage of decrease by .