360 is decreased by \( a 3 \% \)

When you decrease 360 by 3%, you're essentially subtracting 3% of 360 from the original number. To find 3% of 360, multiply 360 by 0.03, which equals 10.8. Therefore, when you subtract 10.8 from 360, you arrive at 349.2. So, after decreasing 360 by 3%, you get 349.2! This kind of percentage calculation is handy not just in math class, but also in everyday life! For instance, when you're shopping and see a "3% off" deal, you can easily figure out your savings using the same method. It helps you understand the discounts better and make smarter purchasing decisions.