Topics · Edexcel GCSE Maths (1MA1)

Reverse percentages: the price before

Foundation and Higher

When you know the price after a change, the percentage was taken from a number you have not seen. Try it.

Exam-style questionCalculator allowed3 marks

In a sale, all prices are reduced by 15%.

A coat costs £68 in the sale.

Work out the price of the coat before the sale.

See why

What was the coat's price before the sale?

85% of £70 is £59.50. The coat costs £68.

Now a fresh one

New contextCalculator allowed3 marks

The value of a house went up by 6% last year.

The house is now worth £238 500.

Work out the value of the house a year ago.

Learn it properly

Original values, profit and simple interest

Short hands-on steps, then exam questions on this topic.

Where it comes up in the exam

  • Specification R9: find the original value after a percentage change, and use multipliers.
  • On both tiers.
  • Pearson's examiners report students subtracting the percentage from the final amount instead of dividing by the multiplier.

More topics

Independent practice for Pearson Edexcel GCSE Mathematics (1MA1), not endorsed by Pearson.

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