A compact disc player costs £50 plus 17 1/2% Vat. Calculate the total cost of the compact disc player

With Calculator:

To work out the multiplier, take the percentage, divide by 100 and add 1

17.5% / 100 = 0.175

1 + 0.175 = 1.175

£50 x 1.175 = £58.75

Without Calculator:

First work out easy percentages of 50 (if needed use previous answers (such as 10) to work out smaller percentages (such as 5%))

100% = 50

10% = 5

5% = 2.5

2.5% = 1.25

10% + 5% + 2.5% = 17.5%

5 + 2.5 + 1.25 = £8.75

Add this on to the original price:

£50 + £8.75 = £58.75

The total price, including VAT, is £58.75