FRACTIONS, DECIMALS AND PERCENTAGES

Percentage Increase

Learn the reliable method for percentage increase, then apply it to 11+ exam-style questions.

1 · WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The idea

A percentage increase adds a stated proportion of the original value.

Picture itConnect parts out of 100
Stationery and UK money arranged as a real-life shopping problem
2 · THE METHOD

Follow these steps

  1. Find the increase from the original amount.
  2. Add the increase to the original.
  3. Check that the result is larger.
percentage = amount ÷ 100 × rate
3 · WORKED EXAMPLES

See the method in action

Example 1

After a 50% price increase, a desk costs £240.00. What did it cost before the increase?

  1. The final price is 150% of the original.
  2. Divide £240.00 by 1.50.
  3. Therefore the answer is £160.00.
Answer: £160.00
Example 2

After a 50% price increase, a desk costs £240.00. What did it cost before the increase?

  1. The final price is 150% of the original.
  2. Divide £240.00 by 1.50.
  3. Therefore the answer is £160.00.
Answer: £160.00
4 · ELEVENSPRINT TIP

A useful shortcut

Check that the result is larger.

5 · COMMON MISTAKES

Watch out for these

6 · TRY IT YOURSELF

Three fresh questions

Ready to check the method? You will get three fresh, validated questions.