Student maths resources
Exam marks come from the working, not just the answer. Here is how to lay percentage questions out cleanly.
Show the working
Line one: state the formula. Line two: substitute the numbers. Line three: give the answer with units or a percent sign.
Markers award method marks even when the final number is wrong, so never jump straight to the answer.
Practice questions
What is 35% of 240? Answer: 84.
A test score of 51 out of 68 — what percentage is that? Answer: 75%.
A bike costs £320 and is reduced by 15%. What is the sale price? Answer: £272.
A population grows from 4,500 to 5,040. What is the percentage increase? Answer: 12%.
Common exam traps
Reverse percentages: if a price after a 20% discount is £64, the original was £64 ÷ 0.8 = £80.
Percentage points versus percent: a rate moving from 5% to 6% is one percentage point, a 20% increase.
Put it to work