Functional Skills Maths: Shopping

Add prices and work out change

Shopping on a Budget

  • Always add up prices before you get to the till.
  • Round up to estimate: £2.99 rounds to £3.00.
  • If total is over budget, put something back.

Finding Change

  • Change = amount paid − total cost.
  • Example: pay £10, cost £7.30, change = £2.70.
  • Count up from the cost to the amount paid to find change.

Best Value

  • Bigger packs are often better value per item.
  • 6 tins for £2.40 = 40p each.
  • 4 tins for £2.00 = 50p each.
  • The 6-tin pack is better value.

Worked Examples

Example 1: Adding a shopping list

  1. Bread £1.20 + Milk £1.10 + Eggs £2.50.
  2. £1.20 + £1.10 = £2.30.
  3. £2.30 + £2.50 = £4.80.
  4. Total: £4.80

Example 2: Change from £10.00

  1. Total cost: £7.30.
  2. Count up: £7.30 → £7.00 = 70p, then £7.00 → £10.00 = £3.00? No — count from £7.30 to £10.00.
  3. £7.30 + 70p = £8.00. £8.00 + £2.00 = £10.00.
  4. Change: £2.70

Practice Questions

  • Items: £3.50 + £1.20 + £2.80. Total?
    Hint: Add in stages: £3.50+£1.20=£4.70. Then £4.70+£2.80.
    Answer: £7.50
  • You have £20. Total is £14.75. Change?
    Hint: £20.00 − £14.75. Count up from £14.75 to £20.
    Answer: £5.25
  • Bread costs £1.40. You buy 3 loaves. Total?
    Hint: 3 × £1.40. Or add £1.40 three times.
    Answer: £4.20
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