# Really simple question on % increase

1. Dec 1, 2008

### Kuma

If you had a sum of money and the question asks that you want a 500% increase, does that mean a yield of 5x the original sum of money or 6x?
Someone told me it was 6x but didnt really explain why.

2. Dec 1, 2008

### Gr!dl0cK

If you had 500% of $10 you'd have$50. But if you increased $10 by 500% then you'd have$60 (because you're finding what 500% of X is and then adding the result to X).
I hope this cleared it up for you :)

3. Dec 1, 2008

### symbolipoint

What you exactly want depends on the wording of your question or exercise. Without other information clearly described, Gr!dlOcK is correct. 500% increase means 5 TIMES initial amount.

4. Dec 1, 2008

### Gr!dl0cK

That's not what I said. I said increase = 5x initial amount, plus initial amount. The increase itself is 5x, but then you have to add it on to the initial amount, making it 6x.

For example: if you have $100, a 50% increase will give you$150, not \$50.

Last edited: Dec 1, 2008
5. Dec 2, 2008

### bsodmike

Gr!dl0cK is correct...