Question

After new government legislation declared the spotted owl an endangered species in 1994, the population increased by 250% over the next three years. If there were 48 spotted owls in 1994, how many were there three years later?

Answer 1

48 x 2.5, because 250% is equal to 2.5
you should be able to solve it from here

Answer 2

Thanks!

Answer 3

"Increased by" is tricky. Likely means multiplying original by (1+250%)
thus (3.50)(48) = 168

If they increased by 10% you would not expect 0.1 x 48 = 4.8 but
(1.1)(48) = 52.8 [0.8 owl is probably a small one]