Counting Change: A Real-World Foundation GCSE Question”

Ever handed over a ten-pound note and wondered whether you’ve got the right change back? This straightforward problem about Christine’s shopping trip combines basic addition and subtraction with pounds and pence—skills every Foundation GCSE student must master.

Question recap:
Christine buys
• a calculator for £5.95
• a pencil case for £1.62
• a ruler for 25p
• two pens at 48p each

She pays with a £10 note. How much change should she receive?

Step-by-step solution:

1. Add up the costs in pounds:
   – Calculator: £5.95
   – Pencil case: £1.62
   Subtotal: £5.95 + £1.62 = £7.57
2. Convert the smaller items to pounds and include them:
   – Ruler: 25p = £0.25
   – Two pens: 2 × 48p = 96p = £0.96
   Additional total: £0.25 + £0.96 = £1.21
3. Grand total of purchases:
   £7.57 + £1.21 = £8.78
4. Calculate the change from £10:
   £10.00 – £8.78 = £1.22

Thus, Christine should get £1.22 back in change.

Why this matters for GCSE success:
Working confidently with money involves switching between pounds and pence, lining up decimal places, and performing accurate subtraction. If you’re looking for extra practice or one-to-one guidance, an online maths tutor for Foundation GCSE can help you build these essential skills and avoid simple slip-ups on exam day.