Total decrease = 1,500 − 900 = 600 hectares. Fractional decrease = 600 ÷ 1,500 = 0.4. Over 12 years, average annual fractional decrease ≈ 0.4^(1/12) ≈ 0.971 (using continuous approximation). For percentage: (1 − 0.971)^(12) ≈ 0.4, so annual decay ≈ 1 − 0.971 = 0.029 → 2.9% per year.

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Total and Fractional Decrease in Ecological Change: Understanding Annual Rates Over 12 Years Understanding environmental changes requires precise analysis of how land or resource areas decline over time. In this case, a study documents a total decrease of 600 hectares from an original area of 1,500 hectares, resulting in a remaining area of 900 hectares. Beyond absolute numbers, fractal calculations such as fractional and annual decay rates reveal long-term sustainability trends and inform conservation strategies. ### Total Decrease Explained
The total area lost over the period is calculated as:
1,500 hectares (initial area) − 900 hectares (remaining area) = 600 hectares
This straightforward subtraction highlights the full magnitude of ecological loss over 12 years, setting the stage for deeper quantitative breakdowns. ### Fractional Decrease: A Baseline Reduction
The fractional decrease represents the proportion of the original area lost:
600 ÷ 1,500 = 0.4
This means 40% of the original area has disappeared, which is critical for policymakers and environmental researchers assessing severity and urgency.