Percent Difference w/o A: How to Calculate

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the impossibility of calculating percent difference without the reference value A. The formula for percent difference is defined as ABS(A - B) / A * 100%. Participants emphasize that without A, determining the ratio of difference is unfeasible, akin to asking how much larger an elephant is without knowing its comparison point. The consensus is that understanding the context and having both values is essential for accurate calculation.

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  • Familiarity with the formula for percent difference.
  • Knowledge of the significance of reference values in comparative calculations.
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badtwistoffate
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Which is ABS( A - B) / A * 100% = ANS
Anyway to do it without A? My proff says we should know it or be able to figure it out?
 
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I'm not sure I understand the question, because it looks like your 'proff' is pulling your leg.

When you calculate a percent difference, you're determining by what ratio one thing differs from another. I don't see any way to make that determination if you're missing one of the "things". It would be like saying "an elephant is how much bigger?" Unless you know "than what", there's not much you can say.

Is it possible you misunderstood what you were supposed to do? Do you have it written down anywhere?
 

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