IGCSE · Mathematics 0580 · Number

Percentages: IGCSE Mathematics questions with answers

Free Percentages questions for IGCSE Mathematics (0580), part of Number. Each question has the answer and the marking points an examiner would look for.

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Percentages practice questions

Question 1Structured · 7 marksA* challenge

The price of a bicycle is increased by 20% and then the new price is reduced by 20% in a sale. The sale price is $480.

(a)

Find the original price.

[3]
(b)

Find the single percentage change from the original price to the sale price.

[2]
(c)

After the sale, the shop wants to return to the original price of $500. Find the percentage increase needed, correct to 1 decimal place.

[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)$500
overall multiplier 1.2 × 0.8 = 0.96 M1
480 ÷ 0.96 M1
500 A1
3
(b)4% decrease
multiplier − 1 M1
4% decrease A1
2
(c)4.2%
(500 − 480) ÷ 480 M1
4.2 A1
2
Question 2Structured · 6 marksA* challenge

Amy invests $5900 at 5% per year compound interest. Ben invests $5900 at 5% per year simple interest.

(a)

Calculate how much more interest Amy earns than Ben after 5 years.

[4]
(b)

Find the number of complete years it takes for Amy’s investment to first exceed $8850.

[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)$155.06
Amy: 5900 × 1.0505 = 7530.06 M1
Ben: 5900 × 5 × 5 ÷ 100 = 1475.00 M1
1630.06 − 1475.00 M1
155.06 A1
4
(b)9
trials for at least two consecutive years either side M1
9 A1
2
Question 3Structured · 3 marks

In a sale, all prices are reduced by 15%.
A jacket costs $161.50 in the sale.
Calculate the original price.

[3]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
$190.00
161.50 ÷ 0.85 M2
M1 for 161.50 as 85%
190.00 A1
3
Question 4Structured · 5 marksA* challenge
(a)

The price of a bicycle was increased by 25%. The new price was then reduced by 30% in a sale.
The sale price is $1093.75.
Calculate the original price.

[3]
(b)

Find the overall percentage change from the original price to the sale price. State whether it is an increase or a decrease.

[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)$1250.00
1093.75 ÷ 0.70 or ÷ 1.25 M1
1093.75 ÷ (1.25 × 0.70) oe M1
1250.00 A1
3
(b)12.5% decrease
1.25 × 0.70 = 0.875 M1
12.5% decrease A1
2
Question 5Structured · 7 marksA* challenge

The price of a bicycle is increased by 25% and then the new price is reduced by 25% in a sale. The sale price is $375.

(a)

Find the original price.

[3]
(b)

Find the single percentage change from the original price to the sale price.

[2]
(c)

After the sale, the shop wants to return to the original price of $400. Find the percentage increase needed, correct to 1 decimal place.

[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)$400
overall multiplier 1.25 × 0.75 = 0.9375 M1
375 ÷ 0.9375 M1
400 A1
3
(b)6.25% decrease
multiplier − 1 M1
6.25% decrease A1
2
(c)6.7%
(400 − 375) ÷ 375 M1
6.7 A1
2
Question 6Structured · 6 marksA* challenge

Amy invests $3900 at 3% per year compound interest. Ben invests $3900 at 3% per year simple interest.

(a)

Calculate how much more interest Amy earns than Ben after 3 years.

[4]
(b)

Find the number of complete years it takes for Amy’s investment to first exceed $5850.

[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)$10.64
Amy: 3900 × 1.0303 = 4261.64 M1
Ben: 3900 × 3 × 3 ÷ 100 = 351.00 M1
361.64 − 351.00 M1
10.64 A1
4
(b)14
trials for at least two consecutive years either side M1
14 A1
2

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Original Cambridge-style practice questions written for mentorriyaz.in. These are not Cambridge past paper questions, and this site is not affiliated with or endorsed by Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Updated 2026-11-04. Paper generator · mentorriyaz.in