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Bunuel
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Official Solution:

If an executive's salary increased by 20% from 1995 to 1996 but decreased by 25% from 1996 to 1997, what percent lower was the executive's salary in 1997 than in 1995?

A. 5
B. 8
C. 10
D. 12
E. 15

Denote \(x\) as the executive's salary in 1995. Then the executive's salary in 1996 was \(1.2x\) while in 1997 it was \(1.2*0.75*x = 0.9x\). Thus, in 1997 the executive's salary was \(\frac{x - 0.9x}{x}*100\% = 10\%\) lower than in 1995.

Answer: C


Instead of x if I use a number for eg 10 then 1995 -->10, 1996--.1.2x10=12 and 1997 is 9 so when I do the next step to find percent lower (10-9)/9x100=11.11 I am not getting 12 exactly .Can you please explain where am I going wrong?

1995 - 10
1996 - 12
1997 - 9

(10 - 9)/10 = 1/10.
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I have edited the question and the solution by adding more details to enhance its clarity. I hope it is now easier to understand.
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