2022 asset utilization 2013 in response to economic conditions and lower revenue in 2009 , we implemented productivity initiatives to improve efficiency and reduce costs , in addition to adjusting our resources to reflect lower demand .
although varying throughout the year , our resource reductions included removing from service approximately 26% ( 26 % ) of our road locomotives and 18% ( 18 % ) of our freight car inventory by year end .
we also reduced shift levels at most rail facilities and closed or significantly reduced operations in 30 of our 114 principal rail yards .
these demand-driven resource adjustments and our productivity initiatives combined to reduce our workforce by 10% ( 10 % ) .
2022 fuel prices 2013 as the economy worsened during the third and fourth quarters of 2008 , fuel prices dropped dramatically , reaching $ 33.87 per barrel in december 2008 , a near five-year low .
throughout 2009 , crude oil prices generally increased , ending the year around $ 80 per barrel .
overall , our average fuel price decreased by 44% ( 44 % ) in 2009 , reducing operating expenses by $ 1.3 billion compared to 2008 .
we also reduced our consumption rate by 4% ( 4 % ) during the year , saving approximately 40 million gallons of fuel .
the use of newer , more fuel efficient locomotives ; increased use of distributed locomotive power ; fuel conservation programs ; and improved network operations and asset utilization all contributed to this improvement .
2022 free cash flow 2013 cash generated by operating activities totaled $ 3.2 billion , yielding free cash flow of $ 515 million in 2009 .
free cash flow is defined as cash provided by operating activities , less cash used in investing activities and dividends paid .
free cash flow is not considered a financial measure under accounting principles generally accepted in the united states ( gaap ) by sec regulation g and item 10 of sec regulation s-k .
we believe free cash flow is important in evaluating our financial performance and measures our ability to generate cash without additional external financings .
free cash flow should be considered in addition to , rather than as a substitute for , cash provided by operating activities .
the following table reconciles cash provided by operating activities ( gaap measure ) to free cash flow ( non-gaap measure ) : millions of dollars 2009 2008 2007 .

millions of dollars
2009
2008
2007
cash provided by operating activities
$ 3234
$ 4070
$ 3277
cash used in investing activities
-2175 ( 2175 )
-2764 ( 2764 )
-2426 ( 2426 )
dividends paid
-544 ( 544 )
-481 ( 481 )
-364 ( 364 )
free cash flow
$ 515
$ 825
$ 487

2010 outlook 2022 safety 2013 operating a safe railroad benefits our employees , our customers , our shareholders , and the public .
we will continue using a multi-faceted approach to safety , utilizing technology , risk assessment , quality control , and training , and by engaging our employees .
we will continue implementing total safety culture ( tsc ) throughout our operations .
tsc is designed to establish , maintain , reinforce , and promote safe practices among co-workers .
this process allows us to identify and implement best practices for employee and operational safety .
reducing grade-crossing incidents is a critical aspect of our safety programs , and we will continue our efforts to maintain , upgrade , and close crossings ; install video cameras on locomotives ; and educate the public about crossing safety through our own programs , various industry programs , and other activities .
2022 transportation plan 2013 to build upon our success in recent years , we will continue evaluating traffic flows and network logistic patterns , which can be quite dynamic from year-to-year , to identify additional opportunities to simplify operations , remove network variability and improve network efficiency and asset utilization .
we plan to adjust manpower and our locomotive and rail car fleets to .

Question: what percent of beginning inventory of locomotives remained in service at the end of the year?
Answer: 74%

Question: what was the percentage change in free cash flow from 2008 to 2009?
Answer: -38%

Question: what was the percentage change in free cash flow from 2007 to 2008?
Answer: 69%