Reverse percentage are very popular GCSE maths problems, aimed at around grade 5. They are usually either percentage decrease – working out the normal price, if you know the sale price of an item – or percentage increase, such as property prices.
Here’s the questions, which are fairly representative of the types of reverse percentage questions usually asked:
1. In a sale, normal prices are reduced by 12%. The sale price of a digital camera is £132.88. Work out the normal price of the camera.
2. A house is valued at £298 000 after an 8% increase in property prices. Calculate the value of the house before the increase. Give your answer to the nearest £.
3. In a sale, normal prices are reduced by 35%. The sale price of a TV is £428.35. Work out the normal price of the TV.
4. Bill’s weekly pay this year is £471.50. This is 15% more than his weekly pay last year. Alex says ‘That means Bill’s weekly pay last year was £400.’ Alex is wrong. Explain why.
Here’s a copy of the questions: QT – Reverse Percentage
Here’s the answers: QT Reverse Percentage ANSWERS
The topic appears in all the main examination boards, including Edexcel, AQA and OCR. Here’s some additional posts that might be of interest:
How To Work Out Reverse Percentages GCSE mathematics
I hope the posts help, and please leave a comment below, if you are not sure. Alternately you can view my YouTube channel and leave a comment there – I’ll always try to respond as quickly as possible.
Watch the videos on YouTube:
Reverse Percentage – sale price & increased price – GCSE maths grade 5 ish