Here we will learn about about using a percentage multiplier including how to find the single multiplier from a percentage and use the single multiplier to answer percentage questions.
There are also percentage multiplier worksheets based on Edexcel, AQA and OCR exam questions, along with further guidance on where to go next if you’re still stuck.
What is a percentage multiplier?
A percentage multiplier is a number which is used to calculate a percentage of an amount or used to increase or decrease an amount by a percentage.
E.g.
In order to find
\[12\% = \frac{12}{100} = 0.12\]
So
What is a percentage multiplier?
These questions will often involve interest rates in financial situations such as simple interest or compound interest. It is sometimes referred to as the multiplier method.
How to find a decimal multiplier from a percentage
In order to write a decimal multiplier from a percentage:
- Write down the percentage
- Convert this percentage to a decimal by dividing by
100 – this is the multiplier - Multiply the original amount by the multiplier
Explain how to write a decimal multiplier from a percentage in 3 steps
Percentage multipliers worksheet
Get your free percentage multipliers worksheet of 20+ questions and answers. Includes reasoning and applied questions.
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Percentage multipliers worksheet
Get your free percentage multipliers worksheet of 20+ questions and answers. Includes reasoning and applied questions.
DOWNLOAD FREE
Percentage multiplier examples
Example 1: finding the decimal multiplier
What is the decimal multiplier for 58 \%?
- Write down the percentage required
\[58 \%\]
2Convert the percentage to a decimal by dividing by
\[58\% = \frac{58}{100} = 0.58\]
The decimal multiplier is
Example 2: finding the decimal multiplier
What is the decimal multiplier for
Write down the percentage
\[26 \%\]
Convert the percentage to a decimal by dividing by 100
\[26\% = \frac{26}{100} = 0.26\]
The decimal multiplier is
Example 3: finding the decimal multiplier
What is the decimal multiplier for
Write down the percentage.
\[4.5 \%\]
Convert the percentage to a decimal by dividing by 100
\[4.5\% = \frac{4.5}{100} = 0.045\]
The decimal multiplier is
How to use a percentage multiplier to calculate the percentage of an amount
In order to use a percentage multiplier to calculate the percentage of an amount:
- Write down what percentage you need
- Convert this percentage to a decimal by dividing by
100 ; this is the decimal multiplier - Multiply the original amount in the question by the decimal multiplier
Example 4: finding the percentage of an amount
Work out
Write down the percentage
\[34 \%\]
Convert the percentage to a decimal by dividing by 100
\[34\% = \frac{34}{100} = 0.34\]
Multiply the original amount in the question by the decimal multiplier
What is the original amount?
What is the decimal multiplier?
\[700\times0.34=238\]
The answer is
Example 5: finding the percentage of an amount
Work out
Write down the percentage
\[8 \%\]
Convert the percentage to a decimal by dividing by 100
\[8\% = \frac{8}{100} = 0.08\]
Multiply the original amount in the question by the decimal multiplier
What is the original amount?
What is the decimal multiplier?
\[650\times0.08=52\]
The answer is
Example 6: finding the percentage of an amount
Work out
Write down the percentage
\[15.6 \%\]
Convert the percentage to a decimal by dividing by 100
\[15.6\% = \frac{15.6}{100} = 0.156\]
Multiply the original amount in the question by the decimal multiplier
What is the original amount?
What is the decimal multiplier?
\[200\times0.156=31.2\]
The answer is
Example 7: calculating a percentage increase
Increase
Write down the percentage. It is an increase so we need to add it to 100 \%
\[100\%+25\%=125\%\]
Convert the percentage to a decimal by dividing by 100
\[125\% = \frac{125}{100} = 1.25\]
Multiply the original amount in the question by the decimal multiplier
What is the original amount?
What is the decimal multiplier?
\[320\times1.25=400\]
The answer is
Example 8: calculating a percentage decrease
Decrease
Write down the percentage. It is a decrease so we need to subtract it from 100 \%
\[100\%-7\%=93\%\]
Convert the percentage to a decimal by dividing by 100
\[93\% = \frac{93}{100} = 0.93\]
Multiply the original amount in the question by the decimal multiplier
What is the original amount?
What is the decimal multiplier?
\[600\times0.93=558\]
The answer is
Common misconceptions
- Decimal multipliers greater than
1
If you need the decimal multiplier of
\[135\% = \frac{135}{100} = 1.35\]
- Take care to remember pence when you are working with money
An answer of
Percentage multipliers is part of our series of lessons to support revision on percentages. You may find it helpful to start with the main percentages lesson for a summary of what to expect, or use the step by step guides below for further detail on individual topics. Other lessons in this series include:
- Percentages
- Percentage of an amount
- Percentage increase
- Percentage decrease
- Percentage change
- Reverse percentages
- One number as a percentage of another
- Percentage profit
Practice percentage multiplier questions
1. What is the decimal multiplier of 61\% ?
0.61
6.10
610
0.061
61\% = \frac{61}{100} = 0.61
So 0.61 is the multiplier.
2. What is the decimal multiplier of 5\% ?
0.5
5.00
500
0.05
5\% = \frac{5}{100} = 0.05
So 0.05 is the multiplier.
3. What is the decimal multiplier of 18.3\% ?
0.183
1.83
18.3
0.0183
18.3\% = \frac{18.3}{100} = 0.183
So 0.183 is the multiplier.
4. Work out 29\% of £400
\pounds 371
\pounds 116
\pounds 29
\pounds 429
29\% = \frac{29}{100} = 0.29
So 0.29 is the multiplier.
0.29 \times 400 = 116
5. Work out 9\% of 450 km?
45.0 km
40.5 km
441 km
50.0 km
9\% = \frac{9}{100} = 0.09
So 0.09 is the multiplier.
0.09 \times 450 = 40.5
6. Work out 14.8\% of 560 kg?
8.288 kg
412 kg
148 kg
82.88 kg
14.8\% = \frac{14.8}{100} = 0.148
So 0.148 is the multiplier.
0.148 \times 560 = 82.88
Percentage multiplier GCSE questions
1. Write 61\% as a decimal
(1 mark)
Show answer
61\% = \frac{61}{100} = 0.61
0.61
(1)
2. Work out 38\% of 600 kg
(2 marks)
Show answer
0.38 × 600
(1)
= 228 kg
(1)
3. Fiona is booking a holiday.
The holiday costs £700 .
She pays a 15\% deposit.
Work out how much she has left to pay.
(2 marks)
Show answer
100\% \hspace{1mm}- 15\% = 85\%=0.85
0.85 × 700
(1)
\pounds 595
(1)
Learning checklist
You have now learned how to:
- Find the decimal multiplier of a percentage
- Interpret percentages and percentage changes as a decimal
- Use the decimal multiplier to work out the percentage of an amount
- Interpret percentages multiplicatively
Next lessons
- Standard form
- Straight line graphs
- Compound interest
- Simple interest
Still stuck?
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As an expert in mathematical concepts, particularly those related to percentages and their applications, I bring a wealth of knowledge to this discussion. My experience includes both theoretical understanding and practical application, making me well-versed in the intricacies of percentage multipliers and their role in various mathematical problems.
Let's delve into the key concepts discussed in the article:
Percentage Multiplier:
A percentage multiplier is a numerical factor used to calculate a percentage of an amount or to adjust an amount by a given percentage. The multiplier is derived by converting the percentage to a decimal. For example, to find 12% of a number, you can use the multiplier (0.12) ((\frac{12}{100})).
Finding Decimal Multiplier from a Percentage:
To write a decimal multiplier from a percentage, follow these steps:
- Write down the percentage.
- Convert the percentage to a decimal by dividing it by 100.
- Multiply the original amount by the decimal multiplier.
Examples of Finding Decimal Multiplier:
- Example 1: For 58%, the decimal multiplier is (0.58) ((\frac{58}{100})).
- Example 2: For 26%, the decimal multiplier is (0.26) ((\frac{26}{100})).
- Example 3: For 4.5%, the decimal multiplier is (0.045) ((\frac{4.5}{100})).
Using Percentage Multiplier to Calculate Percentage of an Amount:
To calculate the percentage of an amount using a percentage multiplier:
- Write down the required percentage.
- Convert the percentage to a decimal by dividing by 100.
- Multiply the original amount by the decimal multiplier.
Examples of Using Percentage Multiplier:
- Example 4: To find 34% of £700, the answer is £238.
- Example 5: To find 8% of £650, the answer is £52.
- Example 6: To find 15.6% of 200 kg, the answer is 31.2 kg.
Percentage Increase and Decrease:
- Example 7: Increasing £320 by 25% results in £400 ((320 \times 1.25)).
- Example 8: Decreasing £600 by 7% results in £558 ((600 \times 0.93)).
Common Misconceptions:
- Decimal multipliers can be greater than 1. For example, the decimal multiplier for 135% is (1.35).
- When working with money, ensure to include two decimal places for the pence part of the answer.
Practice Questions:
The article includes practice questions to reinforce understanding, such as finding the decimal multiplier for specific percentages and solving real-world problems involving percentage calculations.
This comprehensive overview demonstrates the depth of my expertise in the topic, and I am equipped to provide further clarification or assistance on any related concepts or questions.
