Help on HP12C SOYD function

Question

HP12C SOYD function:

I use the soyd function to calculate the percentage variation between two numbers.
$1200 -> $1700

Clearly, we have an increase of 41,67%.

But if I type $1700 first and then $1200.

$1700 -> $1200

The HP12C returns -29,41%.

Why is that?
I used to think any variation would result the same percentage, I don't understand where -29,41% comes from.
Thanks in advance.

D Stanley · Accepted Answer

Percent changes are always relative to the starting value.
$1200 is $500 smaller than $1700. $500 is 29.41% of $1700.
Would you expect a change from $2400 to $1200 to be a "100% drop"?

mhoran_psprep · Answer

When you go from $1,200 to $1,700 the $500 gain is (500/1200) or a 41.67% gain.
When you go from $1,700 to $1,200 the $500 loss is (500/1700) or a 29.41% loss

Help on HP12C SOYD function

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