The price of an item yesterday was $160 . today, the price fell to $72 . find the percentage decrease.

First, you have to know which amount is your 100%.
Let $160 be your 100% (since the question asked for the amount the price decreased from $160), or let $160 be 100units,
$160 = 100units

The amount price decreased:
$160 - $72 = $88

$160 = 100units
$1 = 100/160units
$88 = 100/160units × 88 <Type in calculator>
= 55units or 55% decrease in price

The units sign is to help you understand it better. If you are able to understand without the unit sign, simply replace all "units" with "%".

Hope this helps! :)

Price yesterday = $160
Price now = $72

Price decreased = $160 - $72 = $88

Percentage decreased = 88/160 x 100 = 55%


Percentage Decreased = 55%

Answer is negative 2