GCSE Maths – Ratio, Proportion and

Rates of Change

Ratio
Notes

WORKSHEET

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Ratio

Writing Ratios as Fractions

A ratio is a way of expressing one thing compared to another by using parts.

For example, suppose red and green counters are in a bag in the ratio 3:2.

We can write each part as a fraction of the total number of parts. So, if our parts are 3 and 2,
the total number of parts is 5. This means 3/5 of the counters are red and 2/5 of the
counters are yellow.

Example: In a school, the ratio of the number of students with blonde hair to the
number of students with brown hair is 5:8.

What fraction of students have brown hair?

We need to find the total number of parts of the ratio by adding 5 and 8 together.

𝟓𝟓 + 𝟖𝟖 = 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏

Now we need to look at the value of the ratio that represents brown hair, which is 8.

The fraction of students with brown hair is the number of parts of brown hair divided by the
total number of parts:

𝑭𝑭𝑭𝑭𝑭𝑭𝑭𝑭𝑭𝑭𝑭𝑭𝑭𝑭𝑭𝑭 𝒐𝒐𝒐𝒐 𝒔𝒔𝒔𝒔𝒔𝒔𝒔𝒔𝒔𝒔𝒔𝒔𝒔𝒔𝒔𝒔 𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘𝒘 𝒃𝒃𝒃𝒃𝒃𝒃𝒃𝒃𝒃𝒃 𝒉𝒉𝒉𝒉𝒉𝒉𝒉𝒉 = 𝟖𝟖/𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏

𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴: 𝟖𝟖/𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏

Simplifying Ratios

Ratios can be fully simplified, just like fractions can be.

When we simplify a ratio, we have to identify a common factor. Once we have identified a
common factor of the ratio parts, we divide all parts of the ratio by this common factor.

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 Example: Write the ratio 18 ∶ 36 ∶ 27 in its simplest form

We need to find the highest common factor because this is the number that we want to divide by
to give us the ratio in its simplest form.
If you look at the factors of 18, 36 and 27, you can identify that the highest common factor is 9.

Highest common factor of 18, 36 and 27 is 9.

Now divide each number by 9:

18: 36: 27

÷9 2:4:3 ÷9

We cannot simplify 2:4:3 any further because there are no common factors of 2, 4 and 3.
Therefore, this ratio is in its simplest form.

Scaling Ratios
To scale a ratio, we multiply by a common factor.

Example: Meringue is made by mixing cups of egg whites and cups

of sugar in the ratio 2:5. How many cups of sugar are needed if 6
cups of egg whites are used in the mixture?

We know that 6 = 2 × 3, so we need to multiply the ratio by 3:

2:5
×3 ×3
6 : 15

So, when 6 cups of egg whites are used, 15 cups of sugar are needed
in the mixture.

Dividing Amounts into a Ratio

You need to know how to split a total amount into a ratio.

Example: Laila, John and Emma split £4000 in the ratio 1:3:4. How
much money does John receive?

1. Find the total number of parts in the ratio:

1 + 3 + 4 = 𝟖𝟖 𝒑𝒑𝒑𝒑𝒑𝒑𝒑𝒑𝒑𝒑

2. Divide the total amount, which is £4000, by the total number of

parts, which is 8. This will give you the value of 1 part.
£4000 ÷ 8 = £500 = 𝟏𝟏 𝒑𝒑𝒑𝒑𝒑𝒑𝒑𝒑

3. Multiply the value of 1 part by the number of parts John has:

£𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓 × 𝟑𝟑 = £𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏

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 Ratio - Practice Questions

1. If 100 grams of one ingredient is used in a cake recipe, which calls for a ratio of 3: 7
with a second ingredient, how much of the second ingredient is needed?

2. A recipe for 10 cupcakes needs 300 g flour. How much flour is needed for 15
cupcakes?

3. In a class of 21 students, the ratio of male students to female students is 3 ∶ 4. How

many female students are there?

4. Ben, Luke and Jess save their money in a ratio of 1: 3: 6. If Luke saves £20 a week,
how much do they save in total?

5. There is £500 in a prize fund which is shared between 3 people. Daisy gets £150,
Carol gets £250 and Joe gets £100. What ratio of the money does each person
receive?

6. In a classroom, 125 sweets are shared out in a ratio of 13 ∶ 7 ∶ 5 to groups Red,

Orange and Blue. How many sweets does each group receive?

Worked solutions for the practice questions can be found amongst the worked solutions for the corresponding
worksheet file.

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GCSE Maths – Ratio, Proportion and
Rates of Change

Ratio
Worksheet

NOTES SOLUTIONS

This worksheet will show you how to work out different types of ratio
questions. Each section contains a worked example, a question with hints
and then questions for you to work through on your own.

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 Section A

Worked Example

Meringue is made by mixing cups of egg whites and cups of sugar in the ratio 2:5.
How many cups of sugar are needed if 6 cups of egg whites are used in the
mixture?

Step 1: Scale the ratio.

This question involves scaling a ratio and to do this, we need to multiply by a common
factor. We know that 6 = 2 × 3, so we need to multiply the ratio by 3.

𝟐𝟐 ∶ 𝟓𝟓
×3 ×3
𝟔𝟔 ∶ 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏

Step 2: Identify the required scaled value.

When 6 cups of egg whites are used, 15 cups of sugar are needed in the mixture.

6 : 15
number of cups of sugar

Guided Example

For a cement mixer, cement and sand is mixed in the ratio 1:5. If 30kg of sand is
used, how many kilograms of cement is needed?

Step 1: Work out the total number of parts in the ratio.

Step 2: Calculate the scale required to have sand represented by 30 parts in the ratio.

Step 3: Identify the required scale value.

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 Now it’s your turn!
If you get stuck, look back at the worked and guided examples.

1. If 100 grams of one ingredient is used in a cake recipe, which calls for a ratio of 3: 7
with a second ingredient, how much of the second ingredient is needed?

2. In a class of 21 students, the ratio of male students to female students is 3 ∶ 4. How

many female students are there?

3. A recipe for 10 cupcakes needs 300 g flour. How much flour is needed for 15
cupcakes?

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 Section B

Worked Example

Laila, John and Emma split £4000 in the ratio 1:3:4. How much money does John
receive?

Step 1: Find the total number of parts in the ratio.

1∶ 3∶ 4

1 + 3 + 4 = 𝟖𝟖 𝒑𝒑𝒑𝒑𝒑𝒑𝒑𝒑𝒑𝒑

Step 2: Find the value of 1 part.

Divide the total amount, which is £4000, by the total number of parts, which is 8. This will
give you the value of 1 part.

£4000 ÷ 8 = £500 = 𝟏𝟏 𝒑𝒑𝒑𝒑𝒑𝒑𝒑𝒑

Step 3: Multiply the value of 1 part by the number of parts John has.

£500 × 3 = £𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏

John receives £1500

Guided Example

There is £100 in a pot which is shared out amongst 3 people. Charlotte gets £15,
Amy gets £55 and Jack gets £30.

What ratio of the money does each person receive?

Step 1: First write out the three amounts of money as a ratio (Charlotte:Amy:Jack)

Step 2: Simplify the ratio.

To do this, find a common factor (a number that is a multiple of 20, 35 and 25) and divide
each of the three values in the ratio by this common factor.

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 Now it’s your turn!
If you get stuck, look back at the worked and guided examples.

4. Ben, Luke and Jess save their money in a ratio of 1: 3: 6. If Luke saves £20 a week,
how much do they save in total?

5. There is £500 in a prize fund which is shared between 3 people. Daisy gets £150,
Carol gets £250 and Joe gets £100. What ratio of the money does each person
receive?

6. In a classroom, 125 sweets are shared out in a ratio of 13 ∶ 7 ∶ 5 to groups Red,

Orange and Blue. How many sweets does each group receive?

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 GCSE Maths – Ratio, Proportion and
Rates of Change

Interpreting Percentages
Worksheet

This worksheet will show you how to work out different types of interpreting
percentages questions. Each section contains a worked example, a question
with hints and then questions for you to work through on your own.

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 Section A

Worked Example

A chair normally costs £300. In a sale, the price is reduced to 70% of the normal price.
What is the sale price?

Step 1: Find 70% as a decimal multiplier, by taking the steps to convert it to a decimal.

70 ÷ 100 = 0.7

The decimal multiplier of 70% is 0.7.

Step 2: Multiply the decimal multiplier by the normal price.

0.7 × £300 = £210

The sale price of the chair is £210.

Guided Example

In a recent survey, 420 people were asked which fruit they prefer. 40% said banana,
12% said apple and the rest chose a different fruit. How many people did not choose
banana or apple as their favourite fruit?

Step 1: Using subtraction from 100%, find the percentage of people who did not prefer bananas or
apples.

Step 2: Convert the percentage to a decimal multiplier.

Step 3: Multiply the decimal multiplier by the total number of people surveyed.

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 Now it’s your turn!
If you get stuck, look back at the worked and guided examples.

1. Convert 23% to a decimal.

2. The price of a microwave is reduced by 25% in a clearance sale. If the original price
was £160, what is it sold for in the sale?

3. Increase 35 by 20%.

4. In a competition, 40% of the contestants are eliminated in round one. In round two,
50% of the remaining contestants are eliminated. If 140 people started the
competition, how many go into round three?

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 Section B

Worked Example

Write 42% as a fraction in its simplest form.

Step 1: Put the percentage over 100 to form a fraction.

42
42% =
100

Step 2: Simplify the fraction.

42 21
=
100 50

Guided Example

Three friends win a raffle prize of £2000. Dwight collects 45% of the prize, Andy
collects 30% and Erin receives the rest. What fraction of the prize does Erin win and
how much does she win?

Step 1: Calculate what percentage Erin receives by subtracting Dwight and Andy’s share from
100%.

Step 2: Convert this percentage to a fraction by putting it over 100, then simplify.

Step 3: Find this fraction of £2000 to find the value of Erin’s share.

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 Now it’s your turn!
If you get stuck, look back at the worked and guided examples.

5. Write 23% as a fraction.

2
6. Write as a percentage.
5

7. Order the following values in increasing size:

5 8
42%, , 0.2, 90%,
8 9

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 Section C

Worked Example

Sandra scored 30 marks on a test with a total of 150 marks. The next time she
scored 40 marks on a test which totalled 160 marks. Did her performance improve?

Step 1: Use the equation for working out a percentage, and substitute in Sandra’s mark and the
total marks for the first test.

𝑉𝑉𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 30
𝑃𝑃𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 = × 100 = × 100 = 20%
𝑇𝑇𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 150

Step 2: Use the equation for working out a percentage, and substitute in Sandra’s mark and the
total marks for the second test.

40
𝑃𝑃𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 = × 100 = 25%
160
Step 3: Compare the percentage score from each test.

On the first test, she scored 20% and on the second she scored 25%. Her performance
improved.

Guided Example

200 people took course A and 125 people took course B. 188 people passed
course A and 110 people passed course B. Which course had the highest pass
rate?

Step 1: Using the equation for working out a percentage, calculate the pass rate for course A.

Step 2: Using the same equation, repeat to calculate the pass rate for course B.

Step 3: Compare the percentage pass rate of course A and B.

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 Now it’s your turn!
If you get stuck, look back at the worked and guided examples.

8. A company has 180 employees. 40 employees filed a complaint. What percentage of

employees filed a complaint?

9. I increase £300 by 26%. I increase the new sum of money I have by 40%. What
percentage of the original price do I now have?

10. A special edition box of cereal contains 30% more food. If the special edition box
weighs 390 g, how much does the cereal normally weigh?

11. A blender is on sale across several stores.

Emily wants to buy a blender. Which store should she buy it from?

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GCSE Maths – Ratio, Proportion and
Rates of Change

Interpreting Percentages
Notes

WORKSHEET

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Interpreting Percentages

A percentage is a way of expressing a proportion as “the number of parts per hundred”.

● 1% is the same as 1 in 100

● 30% is the same as 30 in 100.

Percentages to Decimals
To convert a percentage to a decimal, you must divide the percentage by 100. The ‘%’ sign
must then be removed.

It is very useful to convert between percentages and decimals for the purpose of
calculations.

The decimal obtained from a percentage is known as a decimal multiplier. To find a

percentage of an amount, multiply the amount by the decimal multiplier of the percentage
we are trying to find.

Example: Write 65% as a decimal.

Divide the percentage by 100 and remove the % sign.

65 ÷ 100 = 0.65

Example: A chair normally costs £300. In a sale, the price is

reduced to 70% of the normal price. What is the sale price?

Find 70% as a decimal multiplier, by converting it to a

decimal.

70 ÷ 100 = 0.7

Multiply the decimal multiplier by the normal price.

0.7 × £300 = £210

Percentages to Fractions
Since percentages are the number of parts per 100, by putting the number as a numerator
over a denominator of 100, we can create a fraction.
To convert a fraction to a percentage, treat the fraction as a division sum, and multiply
the answer by 100.

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 Example: Write 42% as a fraction.

Put the percentage over 100 to form a fraction.

42
42% =
100
Simplify the fraction where possible.

42 21
=
100 50

Expressing and Comparing Percentages

To write a value as a percentage, use this equation:
𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉
𝑃𝑃𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 = × 100
𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇
Percentages can exceed 100%, which can be seen when working with money problems.

Example: Sandra scored 30 marks on a test with a total of 150

marks. What percentage did she score on this test?

Use the equation for working out a percentage, and substitute in

Sandra’s mark and the total marks.

𝑉𝑉𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎
𝑃𝑃𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 = × 100
𝑇𝑇𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜
30
𝑃𝑃𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 = × 100
150
= 20%

Example: 200 people took course A and 125 people took course B.
188 people passed course A and 110 people passed course B.
Which course had the highest pass rate?

Using the equation for working out a percentage, calculate the pass
rate for course A.

𝑉𝑉𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 188
𝑃𝑃𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 = × 100 = × 100 = 94%
𝑇𝑇𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 200

Using the same equation, repeat to calculate the pass rate for course B.

110
𝑃𝑃𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 = × 100 = 88%
125

Compare the percentage pass rate of course A and B.

Since 94% ≥ 88%, course A has the higher pass rate.

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 Interpreting Percentages - Practice Questions

1. The price of a microwave is reduced by 25% in a clearance sale. If the original price
was £160, what is it sold for in the sale?

2. Order the following values by increasing size:

5 8
42%, , 0.2, 90%,
8 9

3. In a competition, 40% of the contestants are eliminated in round one. In round two,
50% of the remaining contestants are eliminated. If 140 people started the
competition, how many go into round three?

4. A special edition box of cereal contains 30% more food. If the special edition box
weighs 390 g, how much does the cereal normally weigh?

5. A blender is on sale across several stores.

Emily wants to buy a blender. Which store should she buy it from?

Worked solutions for the practice questions can be found amongst the worked solutions for the corresponding
worksheet file.

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 GCSE Maths – Ratio, Proportion and
Rates of Change

Interpreting Percentages
Worksheet

NOTES SOLUTIONS

This worksheet will show you how to work out different types of interpreting
percentages questions. Each section contains a worked example, a question
with hints and then questions for you to work through on your own.

This work by PMT Education is licensed under https://bit.ly/pmt-cc

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 Section A

Worked Example

A chair normally costs £300. In a sale, the price is reduced to 70% of the normal price.
What is the sale price?

Step 1: Find 70% as a decimal multiplier, by taking the steps to convert it to a decimal.

70 ÷ 100 = 0.7

The decimal multiplier of 70% is 0.7.

Step 2: Multiply the decimal multiplier by the normal price.

0.7 × £300 = £210

The sale price of the chair is £210.

Guided Example

In a recent survey, 420 people were asked which fruit they prefer. 40% said banana,
12% said apple and the rest chose a different fruit. How many people did not choose
banana or apple as their favourite fruit?

Step 1: Using subtraction from 100%, find the percentage of people who did not prefer bananas or
apples.

Step 2: Convert the percentage to a decimal multiplier.

Step 3: Multiply the decimal multiplier by the total number of people surveyed.

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 Now it’s your turn!
If you get stuck, look back at the worked and guided examples.

1. Convert 23% to a decimal.

2. The price of a microwave is reduced by 25% in a clearance sale. If the original price
was £160, what is it sold for in the sale?

3. Increase 35 by 20%.

4. In a competition, 40% of the contestants are eliminated in round one. In round two,
50% of the remaining contestants are eliminated. If 140 people started the
competition, how many go into round three?

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 Section B

Worked Example

Write 42% as a fraction in its simplest form.

Step 1: Put the percentage over 100 to form a fraction.

42
42% =
100

Step 2: Simplify the fraction.

42 21
=
100 50

Guided Example

Three friends win a raffle prize of £2000. Dwight collects 45% of the prize, Andy
collects 30% and Erin receives the rest. What fraction of the prize does Erin win and
how much does she win?

Step 1: Calculate what percentage Erin receives by subtracting Dwight and Andy’s share from
100%.

Step 2: Convert this percentage to a fraction by putting it over 100, then simplify.

Step 3: Find this fraction of £2000 to find the value of Erin’s share.

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 Now it’s your turn!
If you get stuck, look back at the worked and guided examples.

5. Write 23% as a fraction.

2
6. Write as a percentage.
5

7. Order the following values in increasing size:

5 8
42%, , 0.2, 90%,
8 9

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 Section C

Worked Example

Sandra scored 30 marks on a test with a total of 150 marks. The next time she
scored 40 marks on a test which totalled 160 marks. Did her performance improve?

Step 1: Use the equation for working out a percentage, and substitute in Sandra’s mark and the
total marks for the first test.

𝑉𝑉𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 30
𝑃𝑃𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 = × 100 = × 100 = 20%
𝑇𝑇𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 150

Step 2: Use the equation for working out a percentage, and substitute in Sandra’s mark and the
total marks for the second test.

40
𝑃𝑃𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 = × 100 = 25%
160
Step 3: Compare the percentage score from each test.

On the first test, she scored 20% and on the second she scored 25%. Her performance
improved.

Guided Example

200 people took course A and 125 people took course B. 188 people passed
course A and 110 people passed course B. Which course had the highest pass
rate?

Step 1: Using the equation for working out a percentage, calculate the pass rate for course A.

Step 2: Using the same equation, repeat to calculate the pass rate for course B.

Step 3: Compare the percentage pass rate of course A and B.

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 Now it’s your turn!
If you get stuck, look back at the worked and guided examples.

8. A company has 180 employees. 40 employees filed a complaint. What percentage of

employees filed a complaint?

9. I increase £300 by 26%. I increase the new sum of money I have by 40%. What
percentage of the original price do I now have?

10. A special edition box of cereal contains 30% more food. If the special edition box
weighs 390 g, how much does the cereal normally weigh?

11. A blender is on sale across several stores.

Emily wants to buy a blender. Which store should she buy it from?

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 GCSE Maths – Ratio, Proportion and
Rates of Change

Percentage Change
Worksheet

This worksheet will show you how to work out different types of percentage
change questions. Each section contains a worked example, a question with
hints and then questions for you to work through on your own.

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 Section A

Worked Example

Increase 75 by 24%.

Step 1: Interpret an increase of 24% as a decimal multiplier.

An increase of 24% is 124% of the original value. So, the decimal multiplier is:

124 ÷ 100 = 1.24

Step 2: Multiply the decimal multiplier by the original value.

1.24 × 75 = 𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗

Guided Example

Decrease the number 140 by 46%.

Step 1: Interpret a decrease of 46% as a decimal multiplier.

Step 2: Multiply the starting value by the decimal multiplier.

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 Now it’s your turn!
If you get stuck, look back at the worked and guided examples.

1. Increase 56 by 13%.

2. Decrease £136 by 30%.

3. A water bottle is normally sold for £12. In a sale, shop A decreases the price by 40%
whilst shop B knocks £2 off every item. Which shop should I go to for the water
bottle, and why?

4. A house increases in value by 17%. A month later, it decreased in value by 8%. What
is the overall percentage change in price of the house?

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 Section B

Worked Example

Ingredients for one batch of cakes costs £2.56. Katy makes 4 batches and sells
each batch for £5. Work out how much profit Katy makes as a percentage change.

Step 1: Calculate how much Katy spent on ingredients.

Multiply the cost per batch by the number of batches she bought ingredients for.

4 × £2.56 = £10.24

Step 2: Calculate how much money she made from selling the cakes and find the difference
between this and the money spent.

4 × £5 = £20
£20 − £10.24 = £9.76

Step 3: Substitute the difference and money spent into the formula for percentage change and
solve.

𝐶𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎
𝑃𝑃𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 𝐶𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = × 100
𝑂𝑂𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟

£9.76
𝑃𝑃𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 𝐶𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = × 100
£10.24

𝑃𝑃𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 𝐶𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = 𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗% (to the nearest percent)

Alternatively, you could solve this problem by basing the calculation off the prices of one
batch only. Since the answer is a percentage, and not the actual profit, the percentage
change will be the same.

𝐶𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎
𝑃𝑃𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 𝐶𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = × 100
𝑂𝑂𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟

£5 − £2.56 £2.44
𝑃𝑃𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 𝐶𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = × 100 = × 100
£2.56 £2.56

= 𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗% (to the nearest percent)

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 Guided Example

An art gallery contains 45 paintings. After an exhibition, paintings are bought and sold,
and it now contains 38 items. Calculate the percentage change in the number of
paintings in the gallery, giving your answer to the nearest percent.

Step 1: Find the difference between the number of paintings in the gallery after and before the
exhibition.

Step 2: Substitute the change in number of paintings, and the original number of paintings, into the
formula for percentage change.

Step 3: Solve the equation, and round the percentage change to the nearest whole number.

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 Now it’s your turn!
If you get stuck, look back at the worked and guided examples.

5. The population of koalas in a forest one year ago was 48. In the same forest, one
year ago there were 114 snakes. Now there are 40 koalas and 150 snakes. Which
species has experienced the greatest percentage change in population?

6. Angela buys a house for £160000 and renovates it. After three years, the house is
worth £213500. What is the percentage increase in price?

7. A museum received 140 within the first week of opening. In the second week, 480
people visited the museum. What is the percentage change in the number of visitors
over the two weeks?

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 Section C

Worked Example

The population in a small village is depleting. Over the last year, it has experienced
a 15% decrease and now has 340 residents. How many people lived in the town one
year ago?

Step 1: Substitute the values given into the equation for percentage decrease to form an equation.

Let the population of the town one year ago be 𝑥𝑥.

𝑂𝑂𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙 − 𝑁𝑁𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒
𝑃𝑃𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 = × 100
𝑂𝑂𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟
𝑥𝑥 − 340
15 = × 100
𝑥𝑥
Step 2: Solve the equation, by collecting the 𝑥𝑥 terms on one side.

𝑥𝑥 − 340
0.15 =
𝑥𝑥
0.15𝑥𝑥 = 𝑥𝑥 − 340
0.85𝑥𝑥 = 340
𝑥𝑥 = 400

The population of the town one year ago was 400.

Guided Example

A farmer is monitoring his population of chickens and calculates that every year, the
number of chickens increases by approximately 30%. At the start of 2008, he forgot
to count the number of chickens but in 2009 he found that there were 156. Estimate
the number of chickens at the start of 2008.
Step 1: Substitute the values we have for the percentage increase and the number of chickens into
the formula for percentage increase.

Step 2: Solve the equation by collecting the coefficients of 𝑥𝑥 onto one side.

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 Now it’s your turn!
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8. A pair of headphones are in a sale where everything is 40% off. The sale price of the
headphones is £54. What was the original full price of the headphones?

9. A carrot patch starts with 200 carrots. A farmer discovers that every week, pests
consume 5% of his produce. How many carrots does the farmer have after two
weeks, and what is the percentage change compared to the original amount?

10. Pamela buys an old car for £1000. After fixing the engine and exhaust, the car
increases in value by 110%. Once she has painted the exterior and fitted new seats,
it appreciates in value by a further 60%. How much can she sell the car for now?

11. A brand of orange juice develops a special

edition of its best-selling juice bottle. Is buying
the new bottle more cost-effective? Explain
your answer.

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GCSE Maths – Ratio, Proportion and
Rates of Change

Percentage Change
Notes

WORKSHEET

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Percentage Change

Percentage change allows us to understand how much something has changed relative to
what we started with.
𝐶𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎
𝑃𝑃𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 𝐶𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = × 100
𝑂𝑂𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟
Example: A library used to contain 300 books. After new purchases and returns, it now
contains 375 books. Calculate the percentage change in the number of books.
1. Calculate the change in the number of books by subtracting the original amount from
the new amount.
𝑐𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = 375 − 300
𝑐𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = 75

2. Substitute this into the equation for percentage change and solve the equation.

75
𝑃𝑃𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 𝐶𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = × 100 = 25%
300

Example: Ingredients for one batch of cakes costs £2.56. Katy makes 4 batches and sells
each batch for £5. Work out how much profit Katy makes as a percentage change.
1. Calculate how much Katy spent on ingredients.

4 × £2.56 = £10.24
2. Calculate how much money she made from selling the cakes and find the difference
between this and the money spent.

4 × £5 = £20
£20 − £10.24 = £9.76
3. Substitute the difference and money spent into the formula for percentage change
and solve.
𝐶𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 £9.76
𝑃𝑃𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 𝐶𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = × 100 = × 100 = 95%
𝑂𝑂𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 £10.24

(to nearest %)

Alternatively, you could solve this problem by basing the calculation off the prices of
one batch only. Since the answer is a percentage, and not the actual profit, the
percentage change will be the same:

𝐶𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 £5−£2.56
𝑃𝑃𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 𝐶𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = × 100 = × 100 = 95% (to nearest %)
𝑂𝑂𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 £2.56

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Increase and Decrease
Percentage increases and decreases are a particular way of representing percentage
change.
𝑁𝑁𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 − 𝑂𝑂𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙
𝑃𝑃𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 𝐼𝐼𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛 = × 100
𝑂𝑂𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟

𝑂𝑂𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙 − 𝑁𝑁𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒
𝑃𝑃𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 𝐷𝐷𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 = × 100
𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖

We can manipulate percentages to show percentage increase/decrease, so that we use

the right decimal multiplier in questions.

● A percentage increase of 15% is 115% of the original value

115
Decimal multiplier= = 1.15
100

Example: The number 34 increases by 23%. What is the new number?

1. Interpret an increase of 23% as a decimal multiplier.

An increase of 23% is 123% of the original value.

123 ÷ 100 = 1.23

2. Multiply the starting value by the decimal multiplier you have calculated.

1.23 × 34 = 41.82

● A percentage decrease of 15% is 85% of original value

0.85
Decimal multiplier= = 0.85
100

Example: The number 180 decreases by 6%. What is the new number?

1. Interpret a decrease of 6% as a decimal multiplier.

A decrease of 6% means that the final amount is 94% of the original amount.

94 ÷ 100 = 0.94

2. Multiply the starting value by the decimal multiplier you have calculated.

180 × 0.94 = 169.2

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Example: Angela buys a house for £145000 and renovates it. After three months, the
house is worth £180000. What is the percentage increase in price?

1. Substitute the new and old price into the equation for percentage increase.

𝑁𝑁𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 − 𝑂𝑂𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙 £180000 − £145000

𝑃𝑃𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 = × 100 = × 100
𝑂𝑂𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 £145000
2. Solve the equation.
£35000
𝑃𝑃𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 𝐼𝐼𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛 = × 100 = 24.1379. . . % = 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐. 𝟏𝟏% (3𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠)
£145000

Example: A shop is having a 35% sale off everything. The sale price of a pair of
sunglasses is £61.75. What was the original full price of the sunglasses?
1. Calculate what percentage, of the original value, the sale items are on for.
100 − 35 = 65%
The sale price is 65% of the original price.

2. Use the knowledge that the sale price is 65% of the original to calculate what 1%
of the price would be.
65% = £61.75
1% = £61.75 ÷ 65 = £0.95

3. Multiply the value that equals 1% by 100, to find the original price.

100% = £95

Example: The population in a small village is depleting. Over the last year, it has
experienced a 15% decrease and now has 340 residents. How many people lived in
the town one year ago?
1. Substitute the values we have into the equation for percentage decrease to form
an equation.
Let the population of the town at the start of the year be 𝑥𝑥.
𝑂𝑂𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙 − 𝑁𝑁𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒
𝑃𝑃𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 𝐷𝐷𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 = × 100
𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖
𝑥𝑥 − 340
15 = × 100
𝑥𝑥

2. Solve the equation, by collecting the 𝑥𝑥 terms on one side.

𝑥𝑥 − 340
0.15 =
𝑥𝑥
0.15𝑥𝑥 = 𝑥𝑥 − 340
0.85𝑥𝑥 = 340
𝑥𝑥 = 400

The population of the town one year ago was 400.

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 Percentage Change - Practice Questions

1. A house increases in value by 17%. A month later, it decreased in value by 8%. What
is the overall percentage change in price of the house?

2. The population of koalas in a forest one year ago was 48. In the same forest, one
year ago there were 114 snakes. Now there are 40 koalas and 150 snakes. Which
species has experienced the greatest percentage change in population?

3. Angela buys a house for £160000 and renovates it. After three years, the house is
worth £213500. What is the percentage increase in price?

4. A farmer is monitoring his population of chickens and calculates that every year, the
number of chickens increases by approximately 30%. At the start of 2008, he forgot
to count the number of chickens but in 2009 he did and found that there were 156.
Estimate the number of chickens at the start of 2008.

5. A brand of orange juice develops a special edition of its best-selling juice bottle. Is
buying the new bottle more cost-effective? Explain your answer.

Worked solutions for the practice questions can be found amongst the worked solutions for the corresponding
worksheet file.

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 GCSE Maths – Ratio, Proportion and
Rates of Change

Percentage Change
Worksheet

NOTES SOLUTIONS

This worksheet will show you how to work out different types of percentage
change questions. Each section contains a worked example, a question with
hints and then questions for you to work through on your own.

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 Section A

Worked Example

Increase 75 by 24%.

Step 1: Interpret an increase of 24% as a decimal multiplier.

An increase of 24% is 124% of the original value. So, the decimal multiplier is:

124 ÷ 100 = 1.24

Step 2: Multiply the decimal multiplier by the original value.

1.24 × 75 = 𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗

Guided Example

Decrease the number 140 by 46%.

Step 1: Interpret a decrease of 46% as a decimal multiplier.

Step 2: Multiply the starting value by the decimal multiplier.

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 Now it’s your turn!
If you get stuck, look back at the worked and guided examples.

1. Increase 56 by 13%.

2. Decrease £136 by 30%.

3. A water bottle is normally sold for £12. In a sale, shop A decreases the price by 40%
whilst shop B knocks £2 off every item. Which shop should I go to for the water
bottle, and why?

4. A house increases in value by 17%. A month later, it decreased in value by 8%. What
is the overall percentage change in price of the house?

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 Section B

Worked Example

Ingredients for one batch of cakes costs £2.56. Katy makes 4 batches and sells
each batch for £5. Work out how much profit Katy makes as a percentage change.

Step 1: Calculate how much Katy spent on ingredients.

Multiply the cost per batch by the number of batches she bought ingredients for.

4 × £2.56 = £10.24

Step 2: Calculate how much money she made from selling the cakes and find the difference
between this and the money spent.

4 × £5 = £20
£20 − £10.24 = £9.76

Step 3: Substitute the difference and money spent into the formula for percentage change and
solve.

𝐶𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎
𝑃𝑃𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 𝐶𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = × 100
𝑂𝑂𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟

£9.76
𝑃𝑃𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 𝐶𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = × 100
£10.24

𝑃𝑃𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 𝐶𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = 𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗% (to the nearest percent)

Alternatively, you could solve this problem by basing the calculation off the prices of one
batch only. Since the answer is a percentage, and not the actual profit, the percentage
change will be the same.

𝐶𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎
𝑃𝑃𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 𝐶𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = × 100
𝑂𝑂𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟

£5 − £2.56 £2.44
𝑃𝑃𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 𝐶𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = × 100 = × 100
£2.56 £2.56

= 𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗% (to the nearest percent)

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 Guided Example

An art gallery contains 45 paintings. After an exhibition, paintings are bought and sold,
and it now contains 38 items. Calculate the percentage change in the number of
paintings in the gallery, giving your answer to the nearest percent.

Step 1: Find the difference between the number of paintings in the gallery after and before the
exhibition.

Step 2: Substitute the change in number of paintings, and the original number of paintings, into the
formula for percentage change.

Step 3: Solve the equation, and round the percentage change to the nearest whole number.

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 Now it’s your turn!
If you get stuck, look back at the worked and guided examples.

5. The population of koalas in a forest one year ago was 48. In the same forest, one
year ago there were 114 snakes. Now there are 40 koalas and 150 snakes. Which
species has experienced the greatest percentage change in population?

6. Angela buys a house for £160000 and renovates it. After three years, the house is
worth £213500. What is the percentage increase in price?

7. A museum received 140 within the first week of opening. In the second week, 480
people visited the museum. What is the percentage change in the number of visitors
over the two weeks?

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 Section C

Worked Example

The population in a small village is depleting. Over the last year, it has experienced
a 15% decrease and now has 340 residents. How many people lived in the town one
year ago?

Step 1: Substitute the values given into the equation for percentage decrease to form an equation.

Let the population of the town one year ago be 𝑥𝑥.

𝑂𝑂𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙 − 𝑁𝑁𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒
𝑃𝑃𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 = × 100
𝑂𝑂𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟
𝑥𝑥 − 340
15 = × 100
𝑥𝑥
Step 2: Solve the equation, by collecting the 𝑥𝑥 terms on one side.

𝑥𝑥 − 340
0.15 =
𝑥𝑥
0.15𝑥𝑥 = 𝑥𝑥 − 340
0.85𝑥𝑥 = 340
𝑥𝑥 = 400

The population of the town one year ago was 400.

Guided Example

A farmer is monitoring his population of chickens and calculates that every year, the
number of chickens increases by approximately 30%. At the start of 2008, he forgot
to count the number of chickens but in 2009 he found that there were 156. Estimate
the number of chickens at the start of 2008.
Step 1: Substitute the values we have for the percentage increase and the number of chickens into
the formula for percentage increase.

Step 2: Solve the equation by collecting the coefficients of 𝑥𝑥 onto one side.

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 Now it’s your turn!
If you get stuck, look back at the worked and guided examples.

8. A pair of headphones are in a sale where everything is 40% off. The sale price of the
headphones is £54. What was the original full price of the headphones?

9. A carrot patch starts with 200 carrots. A farmer discovers that every week, pests
consume 5% of his produce. How many carrots does the farmer have after two
weeks, and what is the percentage change compared to the original amount?

10. Pamela buys an old car for £1000. After fixing the engine and exhaust, the car
increases in value by 110%. Once she has painted the exterior and fitted new seats,
it appreciates in value by a further 60%. How much can she sell the car for now?

11. A brand of orange juice develops a special

edition of its best-selling juice bottle. Is buying
the new bottle more cost-effective? Explain
your answer.

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 GCSE Maths – Ratio, Proportion and
Rates of Change

Direct and Inverse Proportion

Worksheet

This worksheet will show you how to work out different types of direct and
inverse proportion questions. Each section contains a worked example, a
question with hints and then questions for you to work through on your own.

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 Section A

Worked Example

10 apples cost £2.40, how much will it cost to buy 9 apples?

Step 1: Find the cost of one apple

2.40 ÷ 10 = 0.24

10 apples : £2.40
÷ 10 ÷ 10
1 apple : £0.24

Step 2: Find the cost of 9 apples

0.24 × 9 = 2.16

1 apple : £0.24
×9 9 apples : £2.16 ×9

9 apples cost £2.16

Guided Example

5 bananas cost £3.60, how much will it cost to buy 7 bananas?

Step 1: Find the cost of one banana

Step 2: Find the cost of 7 bananas

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 Now it’s your turn!
If you get stuck, look back at the worked and guided examples.

1. 6 pens cost £2.16. Calculate the cost of 12 pens.

2. 8 water bottles cost £20. Calculate the cost of 13 water bottles.

3. Maya buys 7 nail polishes for £10.57. Calculate the cost of 15 nail polishes.

4. Raf bought 9 earrings for £9.81. Ayushi bought 7 earrings for £7.42. Who got the
better value?

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 Section B

Worked Example

𝑨𝑨 is directly proportional to the square root of 𝑩𝑩. When 𝑨𝑨 = 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏, 𝑩𝑩 = 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏.

Find 𝑨𝑨 when 𝑩𝑩 = 𝟖𝟖𝟖𝟖.

Step 1: Write an equation involving k

𝐴𝐴 ∝ √𝐵𝐵
𝐴𝐴 = 𝑘𝑘√𝐵𝐵

Step 2: Substitute the known values into the equation

𝐴𝐴 = 𝑘𝑘√𝐵𝐵
16 = 𝑘𝑘√16

Step 3: Solve for k

16 = 𝑘𝑘√16
16 = 4𝑘𝑘
𝑘𝑘 = 4

Step 4: Express A in terms of B

𝐴𝐴 = 4√𝐵𝐵

Step 5: Find the value for A

𝐴𝐴 = 4√81
𝐴𝐴 = 4 × 9
𝐴𝐴 = 36

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 Guided Example

𝑻𝑻 is directly proportional to the square of 𝑼𝑼. When 𝑻𝑻 = 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏, 𝑼𝑼 = 𝟐𝟐.

Find 𝑼𝑼 when 𝑻𝑻 = 𝟔𝟔𝟔𝟔.

Step 1: Write an equation involving k

Step 2: Substitute the known values into the equation

Step 3: Solve for k

Step 4: Express T in terms of U

Step 5: Find the value for U

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 Now it’s your turn!
If you get stuck, look back at the worked and guided examples.

5. 𝑋𝑋 is directly proportional to the square of 𝑌𝑌. When 𝑋𝑋 = 50, 𝑌𝑌 = 5.

Find 𝑋𝑋 when 𝑌𝑌 = 3.

6. 𝐶𝐶 is directly proportional to the cube root of 𝐷𝐷. When 𝐶𝐶 = 32, 𝐷𝐷 = 8.

Find 𝐷𝐷 when 𝐶𝐶 = 16.

7. 𝑃𝑃 is directly proportional to the 𝑄𝑄. When 𝑃𝑃 = 14, 𝑄𝑄 = 5.

Find 𝑄𝑄 when 𝑃𝑃 = 6.

8. Lauren is paid £225 for 25 hours of work. Use direct proportion to calculate how
much she is paid for 30 hours of work.

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 Section C

Worked Example

The time taken (t) for customers to be served is inversely proportional to the square
root of the number of waiters (w) working. It takes 10 min to be served when there
are 4 waiters working. Find t in terms of w.

Step 1: Write an equation involving k.

1
𝑡𝑡 ∝
√𝑤𝑤

𝑘𝑘
𝑡𝑡 =
√𝑤𝑤

Step 2: Substitute the known values into the equation

𝑘𝑘
𝑡𝑡 =
√𝑤𝑤

𝑘𝑘
10 =
√4

Step 3: Solve for k.

𝑘𝑘
10 =
√4

𝑘𝑘
10 =
2

𝑘𝑘 = 20

Step 4: Express t in terms of w

20
𝑡𝑡 =
√𝑤𝑤

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 Guided Example

𝑻𝑻 is inversely proportional to the square of 𝑼𝑼. When 𝑻𝑻 = 𝟕𝟕, 𝑼𝑼 = 𝟑𝟑.

Find 𝑻𝑻 when 𝑼𝑼 = √𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐.

Step 1: Write an equation involving k.

Step 2: Substitute the known values into the equation.

Step 3: Solve for k.

Step 4: Express T in terms of U.

Step 5: Find the value for U.

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 Now it’s your turn!
If you get stuck, look back at the worked and guided examples.

9. 𝑋𝑋 is inversely proportional to the square of 𝑌𝑌. When 𝑋𝑋 = 2, 𝑌𝑌 = 5.

Find 𝑋𝑋 when 𝑌𝑌 = √10.

10. 𝐶𝐶 is inversely proportional to the cube root of 𝐷𝐷. When 𝐶𝐶 = 4, 𝐷𝐷 = 8.

Find 𝐷𝐷 when 𝐶𝐶 = 2.

11. P is inversely proportional to the Q. When 𝑃𝑃 = 34, 𝑄𝑄 = 9. Find Q when 𝑃𝑃 = 5

12. The number of days (d) to complete a bedroom renovation is inversely to the square
of the number of workers (w). It takes 25 days for 2 workers to complete it. Calculate
to the nearest day, how long it would take 10 workers to complete the job.

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GCSE Maths – Ratio, Proportion and
Rates of Change

Direct and Inverse Proportion

Notes

WORKSHEET

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Direct and Inverse Proportion

Direct Proportion

Direct proportion describes two amounts where one amount increases at the same rate as
the other amount.

For example, Dan is paid £11/hour. As the number of hours increases, the amount he is paid
increases at the same rate. If he works for 2 hours, he is paid 2 x £11 = £22. If he works 3
hours, he is paid 3 x 11 = £33.

Unitary Method

Simple proportion problems can be solved by working out the amount of b for one unit of a,
and then multiplying accordingly.

Example: If 5 pens cost £5.50, how much will it cost to buy 13 pens?

1. Find the cost of 1 pen.

Cost of 1 pen is £5.50 ÷ 5 = £1.10

2. Multiply the cost of 1 pen by 13.

Cost of 13 pens is £1.10 × 13 = £14.30

Algebraic Method

If a is directly proportional to b we write 𝒂𝒂 ∝ 𝒃𝒃. To solve proportion problems, we can

introduce a variable k:
𝒂𝒂 ∝ 𝒃𝒃 is equivalent to 𝒂𝒂 = 𝒃𝒃𝒃𝒃 for some constant k

Example: Pay is directly proportional to hours worked. Laura is paid

£30 for 3 hours work. How much is she paid for 100 hours of work?
1. Write an equation involving constant k.

𝑃𝑃 ∝ 𝐻𝐻 (pay is proportional to hours worked)

𝑃𝑃 = 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 (introduce k to remove ∝)

2. Substitute known values to find k.

Substitute P = 30, H = 3: 30 = 3𝑘𝑘 ⇛ 10 = 𝑘𝑘

𝑷𝑷 = 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏
3. Substitute H = 100 to find amount paid.

𝑃𝑃 = 10 × 100 = £𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏

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 Example: T is directly proportional to the square of U, and T is 32
when U is 8. Find T when U is 2.

1. Write an equation involving constant k.

𝑇𝑇 ∝ 𝑈𝑈 2

𝑻𝑻 = 𝒌𝒌𝑼𝑼𝟐𝟐 (remove ∝ and introduce k)

2. Solve for k.
Substitute 𝑇𝑇 = 32, 𝑈𝑈 = 8:

32 = (8)2 𝑘𝑘
32 = 64𝑘𝑘
0.5 = 𝑘𝑘

Rewrite equation: 𝑻𝑻 = 𝟎𝟎. 𝟓𝟓𝑼𝑼𝟐𝟐

3. Substitute U = 2 to find T.
𝑇𝑇 = 0.5(2)2
𝑇𝑇 = 0.5 × 4 = 2
𝑇𝑇 = 2

Graphical representation

Direct proportion produces a straight-line graph that passes through the origin.

The graph will have a positive gradient if constant ‘k’ is positive, and a negative gradient if
constant ‘k’ is negative.

35 70

30 60

25 50

20 40
U2
PAY

15 30

10 20

5 10

0 0
0 1 2 3 4 0 10 20 30 40
HOURS T

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Inverse Proportion

Inverse proportion describes two amounts where if one amount decreases, the other
increases.

An example of this is speed and time. As speed increases, it takes less time to cover the
same distance. As speed decreases, it takes more time to cover the same distance.

Algebraic Method
𝟏𝟏
If a and b are inversely proportional, we can write 𝒂𝒂 ∝ .
𝒃𝒃
To solve indirect proportion problems, we also introduce a variable k.

Example: 1 builder takes 6 days to build a wall. How many days

would it take 3 builders to build the same wall?

1. Write an equation involving constant k.

This is indirect proportion because as the number of builders

increases the number of days will decrease.
𝟏𝟏
𝑩𝑩 ∝
𝑫𝑫
𝒌𝒌
𝑩𝑩 = (replace ∝ and introduce k)
𝑫𝑫

2. Solve for k.
Substitute 𝐵𝐵 = 1 and 𝐷𝐷 = 6 to find k:
𝑘𝑘
1 =
6
6 = 𝑘𝑘
6
Rewrite equation: 𝐵𝐵 =
𝐷𝐷

3. Substitute 𝐵𝐵 = 3 to find D.
6
3=
𝐷𝐷
3𝐷𝐷 = 6
𝐷𝐷 = 2

It takes 3 builders 2 days to build the wall.

As with direct proportion, questions may state that A is inversely proportional to the
𝟏𝟏
cube of B. In which case, you would write the expression 𝑨𝑨 ∝ and proceed as usual.
𝑩𝑩𝟑𝟑

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Graphical Representation

Indirect proportion produces a reciprocal graph. If X is inversely proportional to Y, then as

the X value increases towards infinity, the Y value tends towards 0, and vice versa.

Example: A is indirectly proportional to B. When A = 1, B = 20. Draw a graph to

show this relationship for values of A ranging from 1 to 4.
1. Write equation involving k

This is indirect proportion so we can write:

1
𝐴𝐴 ∝
𝐵𝐵
𝑘𝑘
𝐴𝐴 = (replace ∝ and introduce k)
𝐵𝐵

2. Solve for k
Substitute 𝐴𝐴 = 1 and 𝐵𝐵 = 20 to find k:
𝑘𝑘
1 =
20
20 = 𝑘𝑘
20
Rewrite equation: 𝐴𝐴 =
𝐵𝐵

3. Substitute in A = 2,3,4 and form a table of values for each B.

A 1 2 3 4
B 20 10 20/3 5

4. Plot a graph.

Since A and B are indirectly proportional, we know the graph should be a

reciprocal graph.

25

20

15
B

10

0
0 2 4 6 8
A

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 Direct and Inverse Proportion - Practice Questions

1. 6 pens cost £2.16. Calculate the cost of 12 pens.

2. 8 water bottles cost £20. Calculate the cost of 13 water bottles.

3. 𝑋𝑋 is directly proportional to the square of 𝑌𝑌. When 𝑋𝑋 = 50, 𝑌𝑌 = 5.

Find 𝑋𝑋 when 𝑌𝑌 = 3.

4. 𝐶𝐶 is directly proportional to the cube root of 𝐷𝐷. When 𝐶𝐶 = 32, 𝐷𝐷 = 8.

Find 𝐷𝐷 when 𝐶𝐶 = 16

5. 𝑋𝑋 is inversely proportional to the square of Y. When 𝑋𝑋 = 2, 𝑌𝑌 = 5.

Find 𝑋𝑋 when 𝑌𝑌 = √10

Worked solutions for the practice questions can be found amongst the worked solutions for the corresponding
worksheet file.

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 GCSE Maths – Ratio, Proportion and
Rates of Change

Direct and Inverse Proportion

Worksheet

NOTES SOLUTIONS

This worksheet will show you how to work out different types of direct and
inverse proportion questions. Each section contains a worked example, a
question with hints and then questions for you to work through on your own.

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 Section A

Worked Example

10 apples cost £2.40, how much will it cost to buy 9 apples?

Step 1: Find the cost of one apple

2.40 ÷ 10 = 0.24

10 apples : £2.40
÷ 10 ÷ 10
1 apple : £0.24

Step 2: Find the cost of 9 apples

0.24 × 9 = 2.16

1 apple : £0.24
×9 9 apples : £2.16 ×9

9 apples cost £2.16

Guided Example

5 bananas cost £3.60, how much will it cost to buy 7 bananas?

Step 1: Find the cost of one banana

Step 2: Find the cost of 7 bananas

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 Now it’s your turn!
If you get stuck, look back at the worked and guided examples.

1. 6 pens cost £2.16. Calculate the cost of 12 pens.

2. 8 water bottles cost £20. Calculate the cost of 13 water bottles.

3. Maya buys 7 nail polishes for £10.57. Calculate the cost of 15 nail polishes.

4. Raf bought 9 earrings for £9.81. Ayushi bought 7 earrings for £7.42. Who got the
better value?

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 Section B

Worked Example

𝑨𝑨 is directly proportional to the square root of 𝑩𝑩. When 𝑨𝑨 = 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏, 𝑩𝑩 = 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏.

Find 𝑨𝑨 when 𝑩𝑩 = 𝟖𝟖𝟖𝟖.

Step 1: Write an equation involving k

𝐴𝐴 ∝ √𝐵𝐵
𝐴𝐴 = 𝑘𝑘√𝐵𝐵

Step 2: Substitute the known values into the equation

𝐴𝐴 = 𝑘𝑘√𝐵𝐵
16 = 𝑘𝑘√16

Step 3: Solve for k

16 = 𝑘𝑘√16
16 = 4𝑘𝑘
𝑘𝑘 = 4

Step 4: Express A in terms of B

𝐴𝐴 = 4√𝐵𝐵

Step 5: Find the value for A

𝐴𝐴 = 4√81
𝐴𝐴 = 4 × 9
𝐴𝐴 = 36

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 Guided Example

𝑻𝑻 is directly proportional to the square of 𝑼𝑼. When 𝑻𝑻 = 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏, 𝑼𝑼 = 𝟐𝟐.

Find 𝑼𝑼 when 𝑻𝑻 = 𝟔𝟔𝟔𝟔.

Step 1: Write an equation involving k

Step 2: Substitute the known values into the equation

Step 3: Solve for k

Step 4: Express T in terms of U

Step 5: Find the value for U

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 Now it’s your turn!
If you get stuck, look back at the worked and guided examples.

5. 𝑋𝑋 is directly proportional to the square of 𝑌𝑌. When 𝑋𝑋 = 50, 𝑌𝑌 = 5.

Find 𝑋𝑋 when 𝑌𝑌 = 3.

6. 𝐶𝐶 is directly proportional to the cube root of 𝐷𝐷. When 𝐶𝐶 = 32, 𝐷𝐷 = 8.

Find 𝐷𝐷 when 𝐶𝐶 = 16.

7. 𝑃𝑃 is directly proportional to the 𝑄𝑄. When 𝑃𝑃 = 14, 𝑄𝑄 = 5.

Find 𝑄𝑄 when 𝑃𝑃 = 6.

8. Lauren is paid £225 for 25 hours of work. Use direct proportion to calculate how
much she is paid for 30 hours of work.

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 Section C

Worked Example

The time taken (t) for customers to be served is inversely proportional to the square
root of the number of waiters (w) working. It takes 10 min to be served when there
are 4 waiters working. Find t in terms of w.

Step 1: Write an equation involving k.

1
𝑡𝑡 ∝
√𝑤𝑤

𝑘𝑘
𝑡𝑡 =
√𝑤𝑤

Step 2: Substitute the known values into the equation

𝑘𝑘
𝑡𝑡 =
√𝑤𝑤

𝑘𝑘
10 =
√4

Step 3: Solve for k.

𝑘𝑘
10 =
√4

𝑘𝑘
10 =
2

𝑘𝑘 = 20

Step 4: Express t in terms of w

20
𝑡𝑡 =
√𝑤𝑤

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 Guided Example

𝑻𝑻 is inversely proportional to the square of 𝑼𝑼. When 𝑻𝑻 = 𝟕𝟕, 𝑼𝑼 = 𝟑𝟑.

Find 𝑻𝑻 when 𝑼𝑼 = √𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐.

Step 1: Write an equation involving k.

Step 2: Substitute the known values into the equation.

Step 3: Solve for k.

Step 4: Express T in terms of U.

Step 5: Find the value for U.

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 Now it’s your turn!
If you get stuck, look back at the worked and guided examples.

9. 𝑋𝑋 is inversely proportional to the square of 𝑌𝑌. When 𝑋𝑋 = 2, 𝑌𝑌 = 5.

Find 𝑋𝑋 when 𝑌𝑌 = √10.

10. 𝐶𝐶 is inversely proportional to the cube root of 𝐷𝐷. When 𝐶𝐶 = 4, 𝐷𝐷 = 8.

Find 𝐷𝐷 when 𝐶𝐶 = 2.

11. P is inversely proportional to the Q. When 𝑃𝑃 = 34, 𝑄𝑄 = 9. Find Q when 𝑃𝑃 = 5

12. The number of days (d) to complete a bedroom renovation is inversely to the square
of the number of workers (w). It takes 25 days for 2 workers to complete it. Calculate
to the nearest day, how long it would take 10 workers to complete the job.

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GCSE Maths – Ratio, Proportion and
Rates of Change

Ratio
Worksheet

This worksheet will show you how to work out different types of ratio
questions. Each section contains a worked example, a question with hints
and then questions for you to work through on your own.

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 Section A

Worked Example

Meringue is made by mixing cups of egg whites and cups of sugar in the ratio 2:5.
How many cups of sugar are needed if 6 cups of egg whites are used in the
mixture?

Step 1: Scale the ratio.

This question involves scaling a ratio and to do this, we need to multiply by a common
factor. We know that 6 = 2 × 3, so we need to multiply the ratio by 3.

𝟐𝟐 ∶ 𝟓𝟓
×3 ×3
𝟔𝟔 ∶ 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏

Step 2: Identify the required scaled value.

When 6 cups of egg whites are used, 15 cups of sugar are needed in the mixture.

6 : 15
number of cups of sugar

Guided Example

For a cement mixer, cement and sand is mixed in the ratio 1:5. If 30kg of sand is
used, how many kilograms of cement is needed?

Step 1: Work out the total number of parts in the ratio.

Step 2: Calculate the scale required to have sand represented by 30 parts in the ratio.

Step 3: Identify the required scale value.

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 Now it’s your turn!
If you get stuck, look back at the worked and guided examples.

1. If 100 grams of one ingredient is used in a cake recipe, which calls for a ratio of 3: 7
with a second ingredient, how much of the second ingredient is needed?

2. In a class of 21 students, the ratio of male students to female students is 3 ∶ 4. How

many female students are there?

3. A recipe for 10 cupcakes needs 300 g flour. How much flour is needed for 15
cupcakes?

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 Section B

Worked Example

Laila, John and Emma split £4000 in the ratio 1:3:4. How much money does John
receive?

Step 1: Find the total number of parts in the ratio.

1∶ 3∶ 4

1 + 3 + 4 = 𝟖𝟖 𝒑𝒑𝒑𝒑𝒑𝒑𝒑𝒑𝒑𝒑

Step 2: Find the value of 1 part.

Divide the total amount, which is £4000, by the total number of parts, which is 8. This will
give you the value of 1 part.

£4000 ÷ 8 = £500 = 𝟏𝟏 𝒑𝒑𝒑𝒑𝒑𝒑𝒑𝒑

Step 3: Multiply the value of 1 part by the number of parts John has.

£500 × 3 = £𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏

John receives £1500

Guided Example

There is £100 in a pot which is shared out amongst 3 people. Charlotte gets £15,
Amy gets £55 and Jack gets £30.

What ratio of the money does each person receive?

Step 1: First write out the three amounts of money as a ratio (Charlotte:Amy:Jack)

Step 2: Simplify the ratio.

To do this, find a common factor (a number that is a multiple of 20, 35 and 25) and divide
each of the three values in the ratio by this common factor.

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 Now it’s your turn!
If you get stuck, look back at the worked and guided examples.

4. Ben, Luke and Jess save their money in a ratio of 1: 3: 6. If Luke saves £20 a week,
how much do they save in total?

5. There is £500 in a prize fund which is shared between 3 people. Daisy gets £150,
Carol gets £250 and Joe gets £100. What ratio of the money does each person
receive?

6. In a classroom, 125 sweets are shared out in a ratio of 13 ∶ 7 ∶ 5 to groups Red,

Orange and Blue. How many sweets does each group receive?

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