IGCSE Math RevisionWorked example 1: Percentage change
A price rises from £64 to £80. Find the percentage increase.
Solution
- Increase: \(80-64=16\).
- \(\dfrac{16}{64}\times100=25\%\).
Answer: 25%
Tip: Divide by the original amount.
Edexcel IGCSE Maths (4MA1) · Unit 1: Number
IGCSE Maths Percentages Questions and Answers
Percentages questions with full solutions for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Mathematics A (4MA1), Higher tier. Read the 3 worked examples first, then cover each solution and redo it yourself.
- 3 worked examples
- Higher tier · calculator allowed
- Free, no sign-in
What this topic covers
- Percentage 1: Percentage increase, decrease and 'of' calculations.
- Percentage 2: Reverse percentages and finding the original amount.
- Simple and Compound Interest: Simple vs compound interest on a savings account.
Percentages worked examples
Worked example 2: Reverse percentage
After a 15% decrease a price is £68. Find the original price.
Solution
- After the decrease the price is 85% of the original: multiplier 0.85.
- Original \(=68\div0.85=80\).
Answer: £80
Tip: Do not add 15% of £68 back on.
Worked example 3: Compound interest
£2 500 is invested at 4% per year compound interest. Find its value after 3 years.
Solution
- Multiplier: 1.04.
- \(2500\times1.04^3=2812.16\).
Answer: £2 812.16
Tip: Compound interest uses a power; simple interest does not.
Every question and worked example here is original, written for IGCSE Math Revision rather than copied from Pearson papers, and each answer was re-solved independently before publishing.
Revise percentages for the exam
- Unit 1 practice: Number in the student hub (more questions with mark schemes)
- IGCSE Maths revision notes for this topic and the IGCSE Maths formula sheet
- Edexcel IGCSE Maths 4MA1 past papers to practise under exam conditions
- IGCSE Maths 4MA1 examiner report summary: where students lose marks
Questions students ask
Which Edexcel IGCSE Maths papers test percentages?
Either Higher tier paper, 1H or 2H, can test percentages: both cover the whole Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Mathematics A (4MA1) specification and both allow a calculator. Show your method, because most marks are for working.
Where can I practise more percentages questions?
In the IGCSE student hub: Unit 1 (Number) has more exam-style questions on this topic, each with a mark scheme. Practice starts with a 7-day free trial; the worked examples and questions on this page are free.