• Calculate percentages of whole numbers • Find 10%, 50%, 25% and multiples • Apply percentage calculations to real problems
Finding percentages of amounts involves converting the percentage to a decimal or using known percentage facts, then multiplying by the given amount to find the result.
Essential for shopping, restaurants, and understanding sale prices.
Understanding VAT, sales tax, and other percentage-based charges.
These calculations are crucial for financial literacy, shopping decisions, and understanding data presented in percentage form.
1) Restaurant bill £24. Calculate 10% tip
Solution: 10% = 0.10, so 0.10 × £24 = £2.40
2) Sale price: 20% off £45 item. How much discount?
Solution: 20% = 0.20, so 0.20 × £45 = £9.00
3) Test: scored 75% of 40 marks. How many marks?
Solution: 75% = 0.75, so 0.75 × 40 = 30 marks
Key shortcuts:
• 10% = ÷ 10 (move decimal point left)
• 50% = ÷ 2 (half the amount)
• 25% = ÷ 4 (quarter the amount)
• 1% = ÷ 100
Example: 25% of 80 = 80 ÷ 4 = 20
1) Charity fundraising: target £500, achieved 85%. How much raised?
Solution: 85% of £500 = 0.85 × £500 = £425
2) School has 400 students, 35% walk to school. How many walk?
Solution: 35% of 400 = 0.35 × 400 = 140 students
Learn from typical errors students make and discover how to avoid them!
What students often do wrong:
Confusing percentage with the amount; Calculating 20% of 50 as 20 + 50 = 70 instead of 20% × 50 = 10
Correct approach: Convert the percentage to a decimal (divide by 100) then multiply by the amount, or use known facts like 10% = ÷10.
Memory tip: "Of" means multiply - so 20% OF 50 means 0.20 × 50, not 20 + 50.
Learn the shortcuts: 10% = ÷10, 50% = ÷2, 25% = ÷4, 1% = ÷100. These mental methods are faster than always converting to decimals.
You've mastered Finding percentages of amounts!
Congratulations! You have mastered all fractions, decimals, and percentages concepts for Year 6. You're ready for the next mathematical adventure!