Let the original diameter of the sphere be 2x. Then, original radius of the sphere = x Original curved surface area = 4πr2 Decreased diameter of the sphere = 2x - 25% of 2x = 2x - x/2 = 3/2x Decreased radius of the sphere = 3/4x ∴ Decreased curved surface area = 4 π(3/4.x)2 = 9/4πx2 Decrease in area = 4 πx2 - 9/4πx2 = 7/4πx2 Hence, percentage decreases in area = 7/4πx2/4πx2 x 100% = 7/16 x 100% = 175/4% = 43.75%