Percentage change
Lesson 11 of 11
Reverse percentages
Objective. Find the original amount before a percentage change.
The key idea
If the new value came from multiplying by a multiplier, divide by that same multiplier to get back. Never subtract the same percentage.
Worked example
After a 20% discount an item costs £64. What was the original price?
- 1Multiplier for −20% is 0.8.
- 2Original = 64 ÷ 0.8.
- 364 ÷ 0.8 = 80.
Answer: £80
Practice
Each question comes with a picture and a listen button. Try it first, then reveal the answer.
Common mistake. Adding 20% back onto £64 and getting £76.80.
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