NumberDeep Dive

Universal Percentage Problem Method

Part of Percentage Problems · GCSE GCSE Mathematics revision

This deep dive covers Universal Percentage Problem Method 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 3 of 8 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Topic position

Section 3 of 8

Practice

14 questions

Recall

22 flashcards

Universal Percentage Problem Method

The PIER Method:

  1. Problem - What type of percentage problem is this?
  2. Identify - What's the original amount and what's the percentage?
  3. Execute - Apply the correct formula or method
  4. Review - Does your answer make sense in context?

Key Techniques:

  • Multiplier Method: Increase by 15% → multiply by 1.15
  • Decrease by 30% → multiply by 0.7
  • Reverse Percentages: If £84 is after 20% VAT, original = £84 ÷ 1.2 = £70
  • Multiple Changes: Apply each percentage change step by step

Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Percentage Problems. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

Practice Questions for Percentage Problems

What is the multiplier for a 30% increase?

  • A. 0.3
  • B. 0.7
  • C. 1.3
  • D. 1.03
1 markfoundation

Work out 20% of 60.

1 markfoundation

Quick Recall Flashcards

What is the formula for simple interest?
I = PRT/100 where P = Principal, R = Rate (%), T = Time (years)
A £60 item has 25% off. What do you pay?
Method 1: Discount = £60 × 0.25 = £15, Pay = £60 - £15 = £45 Method 2: Pay = £60 × 0.75 = £45 Answer: £45

14 questions on Percentage Problems — practise free

Instant marking, adaptive difficulty, and 22 spaced repetition flashcards. Free until your GCSEs.

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