Civil Service Numerical Reasoning Test Percentages and Ratios 4

Question 1

A product is sold for £336 after a 40% mark-up on cost. What was the original cost?

Accepted Answer

£240

Answer

If cost = C, then 1.40C = 336. C = 336 ÷ 1.40 = £240.

Question 2

Three people share a prize in a ratio of 2:3:5. The total prize is £4,000. How much does the person with the largest share receive?

Accepted Answer

£2,000

Answer

Total parts = 10. Largest share (5 parts) = (5/10) × £4,000 = £2,000.

Question 3

A car's value depreciates by 15% per year. It is currently worth £20,000. What will it be worth after one year?

Accepted Answer

£17,000

Answer

15% of £20,000 = £3,000. Value after one year = £20,000 − £3,000 = £17,000.

Question 4

A workforce of 500 is 60% female. How many male workers are there?

Accepted Answer

200

Answer

If 60% are female, 40% are male. 40% of 500 = 200.

Question 5

A ratio problem: If 3 printers produce 270 pages per hour, how many pages would 7 printers produce in an hour?

Accepted Answer

630

Answer

Each printer produces 270 ÷ 3 = 90 pages/hour. 7 printers = 7 × 90 = 630 pages/hour.

Civil Service Numerical Reasoning Practice Test