Mathematics

[TEAK36]

Hi,

If there is one thing in life that I really struggle with, it's Maths. I did reasonably well at School in most other subjects, but for some reason I could not grasp Maths. I am often ashamed at my lack of ability regarding this.

I am one of these people that can work out basic figures in my head, but when it comes to percentages, I am completely lost. For example, if I paid �100 last year for something ,but today I pay �125 for the same thing, I can work out that it is a 25% increase, but If something cost me �35 last year and today it is �45, I cannot work out the % increase, even with a calculator. Please can someone advise me of the formula for working out percentages, or maybe post a link that might help me.

Many thanks.

[JUNKMAN]

Try this

http://www.mathsisfun.com/percentage-calculato r.html

[novalis]

On your calculator do 10 ( the price increase ) divided by 35 ( the original price ) and press your % key.

[mirela]

(45-35) / 35

or 45/35 -1

[mirela]

same with novalis, shoud be 28.57%

[TEAK36]

Thank you all for your answers, it's simple when you know how.

Wizard66, your sum was the first one I tried, but the formula is incorrect.15.75 is not the % increase from 35 to 45, the correct answer is 28.57%

[matt1e]

the rules on Percentage increases and decreases are always calculated with respect to the value before the change took place.
so �35 to �45 is a �10 increase
therefore 10 divided by 35 = 0.2857
then multiply by 100 to give to percentage =28,57%

[4candles]

To take your example, Teak:

Enter 45 in calculator
Divide by 35
Answer = 1�2857

The '1' represents the original amount, and if you move the point two places (percent is per 100) you get

28�57%

I find that easiest as calculators can differ in the way they handle percentages.

[matt1e]

hey thats a good way 4candles I will remember that one

[4candles]

Thanks matt. It works the other way too eg

Item is �24 ex-VAT. VAT rate is 17�5%, so

24 � 1�175 = �28�20 inc VAT
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Item is �24 inc VAT

24 � 1�175 = �20�43 ex-VAT

[matt1e]

Yeah I know that one for the VAT its how I do it myself. I just never made the connection!
Sheesh I guess you can teach old dogs new tricks after all ;-)
cheers candles