A factory produced 150 tons of steel in one year. The next year, the output increased to 180 tons. What is the percentage increase in the output?

20%

Step-by-step explanation:

To calculate the percentage increase of the output that went from 150 tons to 180 tons, we first need to calculate the net difference.

Difference = 180 - 150 = 30 tons.

Then we evaluate that difference in relation to the initial production level: 150 tons.

Increase: 30 / 150 = 1/5

1/5 = 0.20 = 20%

So, the production increased by 20%, going from 150 to 180 tons.