The change is the difference between the temperatures. The absolute change means that positive difference between the temperatures.
From the information given,
The total rainfall in Laketown last year was 7.4 inches. This year it was 0.8 inches.
Thsu,
absolute change = I0.8 - 7.4I = I- 6.6I
absolute change = 6.6 inches
Percentage change = absolute change/original amount x 100
Percentage change = 6.6/7.4 x 100
Percentage change = 89.2%
