The number a exceeds the number b by 50 percent. by what percent is the number b smaller than the number a? it is not 50%

   33 1/3 percent smaller

Step-by-step explanation:

The number a exceeds the number b by 50 percent.

a = b + b*.5

a = b(1.5)

Divide by 1.5

a/1.5 = b

2/3a =b

We want to find (a-b)/a  to find the percent decrease

                           (a-2/3a)/a *100percent

                             (1/3a)/a* 100 percent

                                  1/3 * 100 percent

                                     33 1/3 percent smaller