This study notes covers Common Percentage Traps within Percentage Problems for GCSE Mathematics. Revise Percentage Problems in Number for GCSE Mathematics with 14 exam-style questions and 22 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 4 of 7 in this topic. Use this study notes to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 4 of 7
Practice
14 questions
Recall
22 flashcards
Common Percentage Traps
- Adding VAT to VAT: Don't add 20% VAT to a price that already includes VAT
- Double Discounts: 20% off then 10% off ≠ 30% off (it's actually 28% off)
- Percentage vs Percentage Points: Interest rising from 3% to 5% is a 2 percentage point increase, not 2%
- Base Confusion: Make sure you know what the percentage is OF
- Reverse Calculation Errors: To remove 20% VAT, divide by 1.2, don't subtract 20%