The price of rice is increased by 2\(\frac{1}{2}\)%. Find by how much percent a man reduces his consumption so as not to increase his expenditure?

2\(\frac{18}{41}\)%

Price × Consumption = Expenditure

*(If expenditure remains same the price is inversely proportional to consumption)

Therefore,

2\(\frac{1}{2}\)% = \(\frac{1}{40}\)

Price ratio:         40    :   41

Consumption:    41    :  40   ⇒ 1 (decreased by)

Hence,

Decreased percentage = \(\frac{1}{41}\) × 100% = 2\(\frac{18}{41}\)%