The number a exceeds the number b by 50 percent. By what percent is the number b smaller than the number a?

IT IS NOT 50%

33 1/3 percent smaller

Step-by-step explanation:

The number a exceeds the number b by 50 percent.

a = b + b*.5

a = b (1.5)

Divide by 1.5

a/1.5 = b

2/3a = b

We want to find (a-b) / a to find the percent decrease

(a-2/3a) / a * 100percent

(1/3a) / a * 100 percent

1/3 * 100 percent

33 1/3 percent smaller