Functional Skills Maths: Percentages

Work with percentages in everyday situations

What is a Percentage?

  • A percentage (%) means out of 100.
  • 50% = 50 out of 100 = half.
  • 100% = the whole amount.
  • 10% = 10 out of every 100 = one tenth.

Finding Percentages

  • To find 10%: divide the amount by 10.
  • To find 50%: divide the amount by 2.
  • To find 25%: divide the amount by 4.
  • Example: 10% of £80 = £80 ÷ 10 = £8.

Percentages in Real Life

  • Sales: "20% off £50" — save £10, pay £40.
  • Test scores: 16 out of 20 = 80%.
  • Tips: 10% of a £30 bill = £3.

Worked Examples

Example 1: 25% of £80

  1. 25% = one quarter.
  2. Divide £80 by 4.
  3. £80 ÷ 4 = £20.
  4. Answer: 25% of £80 = £20

Example 2: 10% tip on a £40 meal

  1. Find 10%: divide by 10.
  2. £40 ÷ 10 = £4.
  3. Answer: a 10% tip is £4

Practice Questions

  • 50% of £24 = ?
    Hint: Divide £24 by 2.
    Answer: £12
  • 10% of £90 = ?
    Hint: Divide £90 by 10.
    Answer: £9
  • 25% of £40 = ?
    Hint: Divide £40 by 4.
    Answer: £10
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