11+ Maths · Topic explained
Percentages: what per cent means
50% off sounds great. But what does 'per cent' actually mean?
The big idea
Per cent means out of 100: 30% is 30 in every 100.
Picture it
Find 10% by dividing by 10, then build any percentage from 10% blocks, like building with bricks.
Key words
- per cent (%)
- Out of 100.
- 10%
- One tenth: divide by 10.
- discount
- An amount taken off a price.
- increase
- An amount added on, like a price rise.
Worked examples
- 1Warm-up
Find 50% of 36
- 50% is a half
- Half of 36 = 18
- 211+ standard
Find 35% of £80
- 10% = £8, so 30% = £24
- 5% = half of 10% = £4
- 35% = £24 + £4 = £28
- 311+ standard
A £45 coat has 20% off. What is the sale price?
- 10% = £4.50, so 20% = £9
- £45 − £9 = £36
- 411+ standard
Ella scores 18 out of 25. What percentage is that?
- Make it out of 100: × 4
- 18/25 = 72/100
- = 72%
The common mistake
The mistake
5% of 60 = 60 ÷ 5 = 12.
Instead
5% is half of 10%: 10% of 60 = 6, so 5% = 3.
Why: Dividing by 5 finds a fifth, which is 20%, not 5%.
Where it comes up in the 11+
Percentages of amounts, sale prices and price rises, and 'what percentage of the class…?' questions.
The video
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Free printable
Percentages: what per cent means worksheet
Practice questions on this topic to print and try on paper, at home or on the way to school.
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Quick quiz
Have a go first, then tap to see the answer.
1. Find 25% of 48.
- 12
- 24
- 16
- 4.8
Show the answerHide the answer
12
25% is a quarter: 48 ÷ 4 = 12.
2. Find 15% of 200.
- 15
- 20
- 30
- 35
Show the answerHide the answer
30
10% = 20 and 5% = 10, so 15% = 30.
3. A £30 game goes up in price by 10%. What is the new price?
- £27
- £31
- £33
- £40
Show the answerHide the answer
£33
10% of £30 = £3, and £30 + £3 = £33.