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Worded questions about money and quantities are common in GCSE Maths. Let’s break down this problem and see how to answer it for full marks.
Richard paid 56p for 7 pencils.
The cost of each pencil was the same.
Work out the cost of 4 of these pencils.
Step-by-Step Solution
Let’s organise the information in a table:
| Information Given | Value |
|---|---|
| Total cost for 7 pencils | 56p |
| Number of pencils | 7 |
| Number of pencils needed | 4 |
1. Find the Cost of One Pencil
Divide the total cost by the number of pencils:
\text{Cost of one pencil} = \frac{56p}{7} = 8p
2. Find the Cost of 4 Pencils
Multiply the cost of one pencil by 4:
\text{Cost of 4 pencils} = 8p \times 4 = 32p
✅ Final Answer
| Step | Working | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of one pencil | 8p \times 4 | 8p |
| Cost of 4 pencils | 8p \times 4 | 32p |
The cost of 4 pencils is 32p. ✅
Why These Steps Matter
- Step 1 ensures you know the price per item, which is a common skill in real-life maths.
- Step 2 applies this to the quantity you need, showing you can use your answer in context.
Tips to Maximise Marks
| Tip | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|
| Show all your working | You can get method marks even if you slip up on arithmetic |
| Use the correct units (pence/p) | Avoids confusion and shows attention to detail |
| Answer the question directly | Make sure you state the cost for 4 pencils, not just 1 |
If you want more practice with similar questions, an Online GCSE Maths Tutor can help you master these essential skills and boost your confidence for the exam.
