The percent change in arable land area in the US over this time period is 12.5%
From the question, we are to determine the percent change in arable land area over the given time
Let the total land area be x
From the given information,
In the year 2000, the amount of arable was 20% of total land area
That is,
Amount of arable land = 20% of x
Amount of arable land = 0.2 × x
Amount of arable land = 0.2x
Currently,
The amount of arable land is 17.5% of total land area
Amount of arable land = 17.5% of x
Amount of arable land = 0.175 × x
Amount of arable land = 0.175x
Thus,
Percent change = (0.2x - 0.175x)/0.2x × 100%
Percent change = 0.025x/0.2x × 100%
Percent change = 0.125 × 100%
Percent change = 12.5%
Hence, the percent change in arable land area in the US over this time period is 12.5%
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