MATHEMATICS MODEL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR STANDARD 8

UNIT 1. ROMAN NUMERALS

1. Convert 110 to Roman numerals (2marks)
= CX

2. Convert 175 to Roman numerals (2marks)

= CLXXV

3. Convert 99 to Roman numerals (2marks)

= XCIX

4. Change 217 to Roman numerals (2marks)

= CCXVII

5. Change XCIX into Hindu Arabic numerals (2marks)

XCIV = 90 + 9
=99

6. Change XVIII into Roman Arabic numerals ( 2marks)

XVIII = 10 + 5 + 1 + 1 + 1
=18

7. Write XCVI to Hindu Arabic numerals (2marks)

XCVI = 90 + 5 + 1
= 96

8. Express XXXVIII to Hindu Arabic numerals ( 2marks)

XXXVIII = 10 + 10 + 10 + 5 + 1 + 1 + 1
= 38

9. Arrange XVIII , IV, XIX, XI, XX in descending order (2marks)

= XX, XIX, XVII, XI, IV

1
Arrange III, XII, XV, XIX in descending order (2marks)
=XIX, XV, XII, III

Arrange CXXX, CL, DCX, DCCL ,DL in descending order (2marks)

=DCCL, DCX, DL, CXXX, CL

Arrange L, XL, XXX, XVII, XV in ascending order

(2marks)
= XV, XVI, XXX, XL, L

Arrange V, XVIII, VI, XI, XX, VII in ascending order (2marks)

= V, VI, VII, XI, XVIII, XX

Arrange VI, XIX, XIV, III, V in ascending order (2marks)

= III, V, VI, XIV, XIX

Fill the missing numerals V, VI, VII, ___, IX , __, ___, XII ( 2marks)
= V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X , XI, XII

Fill the missing numerals X, ___, VIII, __, ___, V, IV (2marks)

= X, IX, VIII, VII, VI, V, IV

Fill the missing numerals C, XC, ____, LXX, ___, ____, XL ( 2marks)
= C, XC, LXXX, LXX, LX, L , XL

 ASCENDING ORDER MEANS FROM THE SMALLEST TO THE LARGEST

 DESCENDING ORDER MEANS FROM THE LARGEST TO THE SMALLEST

2
 UNIT 2. HIGHEST COMMON FACTOR AND LOWEST C0MM0N MULTIPLE
 A Factor is a number that goes into another number without leaving a
remainder
 A multiple is a number that is divided by a factor without leaving a
remainder

 HCF is the largest number that divides into the given numbers without a
remainder
 It can be solved by using the following methods
i. Factors method
ii. Division method
iii. Continued division method
KEY WORDS= LARGEST NUMBER, BIGEST NUMBER, HIGHEST NUMBER.
1. Find the HCF of 105, 156 and 180 using factor method (5marks)
105 = 3 5 7
156 = 2 2 3 13
180 = 2 2 3 3 5
HCF = 3 ( because it appears in all three numbers)

2. Calculate the HCF of 1040 and 720 by factor method (5marks)

1040 = 2 2 2 2 5 13
720 = 2 2 2 2 3 3 5
HCF = 2 2 2 2 5
= 80

3. Find the HCF 0f 80, 320 and 720 using factor method (5marks)
80 = 2 2 2 2 5
320 = 2 2 2 2 2 2 5
720 = 2 2 2 2 3 3 5
HCF = 2 2 2 2 5
= 80

3
4. Calculate the HCF of 18 , 24 and 36 using division method (5marks)
2 18 24 36
2 9 12 18
2 9 6 9
3 9 3 9
3 3 1 3
1 1 1
HCF = 2 3
=6

5. Find the HCF of 45, 90 and 15 using division method (5marks)

45 90 15
2
45 45 15
3
15 15 5
3
5 5 5
5
1 1 5
HCF = 3 5
= 15

6. Find the HCF of 105, 156 and 180 by division method (5marks)
2 1040 720
2 520 360
2 260 180
2 130 90
3 65 45
3 65 15
5 65 5
13 13 1
1 1

HCF = 2 2 2 2 5
= 80

4
Calculate the HCF of 1040 and 720 by continued division method (5marks)
[2011 Q. 22]
2 720 1040 1 OR 1 ___
-640 - 720 4 7201040 80 320
80 320 4 - 720 - 320
- 320 320 0
0
2
320 720 HCF = 80
- 640
HCF = 80 80

7. Find the HCF of 360, 504 and 864 using continued division method
(5marks)
2 504 1
360
- - 360
288
144 2
HCF = 72
72
-
144
0
72 864 12
- 864
0
8. Calculate the HCF of 289 and 357 by continued division method
(5marks)
4 357 1
289
- - 289
272
68 4
17
- 68
0

HCF = 17

5
 9. Find the largest number of learners that can share 56 sweets, 60 biscuits and 72
slices of bread without a remainder. (5marks)
2 56 60 72
2 28 30 36
2 14 15 18
3 7 15 9
3 7 5 3
5 7 5 1
7 7 1 1
1 1 1
HCF = 2 2
=4

EXERCISE 1

1. Calculate the HCF of 473, 559 and 645 using continued division method
(5marks) [43]
2. Find the HCF of 70, 84 and 105 using factor method
(5marks) [7]
3. Calculate the HCF of 120 and 75 by division method
(5marks) [15]

(ii) LOWEST COMMON MULTIPLE (LCM)

KEY WORDS ARE: LEAST NUMBER,SMALLEST NUMBER.
 This is a smallest number that can be divided by the number without a
remainder.
 We can find LCM using two respective methods
i. Factor method
ii. Division method

1) Find the LCM of 156, 105 and 180 using factor method (5marks)
156 = 2 2 3 13
105 = 3 5 7
180 = 2 2 3 3 5
LCM = 2 2 3 3 5 7 13
= 16,380

6
2) Calculate the LCM of 70, 84 and 105 by factor method (5marks)
70 = 2 5 7
84 = 2 2 3 7
105 = 3 5 7
LCM = 2 2 3 5 7
= 420
3) Find the smallest number which is a multiple of 15, 18, 24 and 27 (5marks)
15 = 3 5
18 = 2 3 3
24 = 2 2 2 3
27 = 3 3 3
LCM = 2 2 2 3 3 3
= 216
(4) What is the least number of pencils that can be shared among 12 girls, 10
boys, 2 head teachers and 6 teachers without a remainder?
(5marks)
12 = 2 2 3
10 = 2 5
2=2
6=2 3
LCM = 2 2 3 5
= 60

4) Calculate the LCM of 156, 105 and 180 using division method (5marks)
2 105 156 180
2 105 78 90
3 105 39 45
3 35 13 15
5 35 13 5
7 7 13 1
13 1 13 1
1 1 1

LCM = 2 2 3 3 5 7 13
= 16,380

7
5) Find the LCM of 10, 14, 50 and 40 using division method (5marks)
2 10 14 50 40
2 5 7 25 20
2 5 7 25 10
5 5 7 25 5
5 1 7 5 1
7 1 7 1 1
1 1 1 1
LCM = 2 2 2 5 5 7
= 1400
(6) A shopkeeper bought cartons of soap in multiples of 20, 30 and 60 at a
wholesale price. Find the least number of cartons the wholesale bought.
(5marks)
20 30 60
2
10 15 30
2
5 15 15
3
5 5 5
5
1 1 1
LCM = 2 2 3 5
= 60

7. Divide the LCM of 27, 96 and 105 by their HCF (7marks)

27 96 105
2
27 48 105
2
27 24 105
2
27 12 105
2

8
 27 6 105
2 LCM = 2×2×2×2×2×3×3×3×5×7
27 3 105 = 30240
3 HCF = 3
9 1 35
3
3 1 35 =
3
1 1 35 = 10080
5
1 1 7
7
1 1 1

6. Find the difference between the HCF and LCM of 24, 18 , 20 and 36
(7marks)
2 24 18 20 36
2 12 9 10 18
2 6 9 5 9
3 3 9 5 9
3 1 3 5 3
5 1 1 5 1
1 1 1 1

LCM = 2×2×2×3×3×5
= 360
HCF = 2
360 – 2 = 258

EXERCICE 2

1. Calculate the LCM of 45 and 54 using factor method (5marks)

[270]
2. Find the LCM of 40, 30, 48 and 54 by division method (5marks)
[2160]

9
 UNIT 3 : BASIC OPERATIONS ON FRACTIONS

 Solving fractions of different basic operations

1. Simplify 16 + 8 ÷ 3 (6marks)
16 8 3

= 16 2

= 18 _1__ ___2_
8

= 18
2. Subtract from t he product of and 1 (4marks)
= 1
=
=
= __54__ __35___
90
=
3. Divide the different between 10 and 2 by (6marks)
10 –2
8 2 – 21
24
10
 7 26 21
24

=9

4. Take the product of 2 and 1 from the sum of 3 and 4 (5marks)

[2002 Q.32]
3 2 1

7 5
40

7 )

4 91
280

3 371
11
 280

= 3

5. Simplify + of (4marks) [2003 Q.18]

of

6
12

6. Simplify + (4marks) [2004 Q. 5]

12
 3
40

7. Simplify of ( 1 ) {8 marks} [2006 Q.31]

1

2
1 3
5
8
5

= 2
8. Simplify 2 1 (5marks) [2012 Q.6)
2

13
9. Simplify 2 (3 1 ) 1 . ( 4marks) [2017 Q.22)
2 1 )

2 6
8
2 2 1

( SIR. T.PHIRI 2019 EDITION)

CELL: 084 429 789

= 3

10. Add 4 to the product of 3 and (6 marks) [2015 Q. 23]

3

6 6
15

= 7

14
11. Tupa , Maria and Mwai shared a sum of money as follows; Tupa got of
the money, Maria got of the remainder . How much did Maria get if Tupa
got K180. (5marks)
If Tupa got K180 as half of the amount
The amount = 2 K180
= K360
Maria = of ( K360 K180 )
K180
= K120 (answer)
Mwai got = K360 – ( K120 + K180 )
= K60
Tupa got K180 Mwai got K60
Maria got K 120

12. The sum of the ages of yamikani and wongani is of Tamanda’s age. If
Tamanda is 12 years old and Yamikani is 2 years old. How much old is
Wongani? (4marks)
Yamikani + Wongani = of Tamanda
2 W =

W=

10

= 7 years

15
 13. In a class, of the learners put on shoes. If 16 learners do not put shoes.
How many learners are in the class? (4marks)
Learners in shoes =
Learners not in shoes =
=

If = 16

= more

56
Learners in class = 16 56

= 72

EXERCISE 3

1. Simplify 11 1 13 1 (8marks) {94

2. Simplify (4 19 ) [8marks] { }
3. Simplify ( 10 2 1 ) of 1 [8marks] {19 }
4. Simplify [ 1 (2 ) of ] [8marks] { }
16
5. Simplify 14 6 3 3 (6marks) [7 ]
6. By how much is the quotient of 3 and 3 less than the difference between 6 and
14 (5marks) [7 ]
7. Simplify 12 (5marks) [ 7 ]

UNIT 4 : DECIMALS

Decimal’s place value guide: TTh Th H T O . t h th

e.g, (i). write 185.02 in their place values = TTh Th H T O . t h th
1 8 5 . 0 2

(ii). Find the sum of 127.45 and 1.580 = TTh Th H T O . t h th

1 2 7 . 4 5
+ 1 . 5 8 0
1 2 9 . 0 3 0

1. Add together 500.06, 76.7, 9.048, 567.6 (3marks)

500.06
76.7
+ 9.048
567.6___
1153.408_

2. Subtract 832.6547 from 2563.13 (2marks)

2563.13
832.6547
1730.4753

17
3. A drum contains 114l of water. Later , 72.5l of water were poured into it. How
much water remained in the drum if 91.8l were used for washing clothes
( 3marks)
114.0l
+ 72.5l_
186.5l
91.8l_
94.7l_

4. By how much does the sum of 25.04 and 96.75 exceed 72.5 (3marks)
[2011 Q.2]
25.04
+ 96.75
121.79
72.5__
49.29_

5. Water flows from a pipe at the rate of 4.4408 litres per minute. How long will it
take to fill 3.5 tank of capacity 92.952 litres each?( Correct to 2 decimal places)
[5marks)
If 4.4408l = 1min
92.952l= more
92.952l 1min
4.4408l
92952 min
44408
= 20.93 min
If 1l tank = 20.93 min 3.5l 20.93 = 73.255
3.5l tank = more 1l = 73.26min
(2dp)
6. Simplify (0.112 5.6 ) 4.2
(0.112 5.6) 4.2
0.02 4.2
= 0.084

18
7. A trader had 260.9 litres of cooking oil. She sold 87.8 litres to a vendor. If the
remaining oil was sold at K520.80 per litre. How much money did she make
from the remaining cooking oil (4marks)
260.9l
+ 87.8l_ I
173.1l__

If 1l = K520.80t
173.1l = more

173.1l K520.80
1l
= K90150.48

8. Simplify 0.12 – 0.02 0.65 (4marks) [2012 Q.21]

0.65
0.02
130
000
000____
0.0130__

0.12
0.1030
0.1070

9. Add 84.04, 22, 0.55 and 8 (3marks) [2017 Q. 1 ]

84.04
22.00
0.55
+ 8.00__
114.59__
19
10.Simplify 3.2 + 4.65 ÷ 1.5 (3marks) [2014 Q.1]
(4.65 1.5) 3.2
3.1 3.2
= 6.3

11.Simplify 0.6 0.8

1.12 (4marks) [2013 Q. 9]

0.6 0.8

0.48_
0.012

480
12

= 40

12.Write 17.025 as a mixed number in its lowest term (3marks)

(2009 Q.1)
025
100
1_
4
= 17

13.Simplify (0.112 5.6) 4.2 (3marks) [2007 Q.4]

(0.112 5.6)
0.02 4.2
=0.084

20
14.Change 7.35 km to m (3marks)
If 1km = 1000m
7.35km = more

7.35km 1000m
1km
(7.35 1000)m

= 7350m

15.Change K127 49t to decimal notation (2marks)

K127.49t

K 12740
100

= K127.49

EXERCISE 4

1. Multiply 0.0469 by 48 (3marks)

2. What is the product of 482.034 and 63.56 (3marks)
3. Divide the quotient of 5972.46 and 46.5 by 4
4. By what must 0.006 be multiplied to give 0.048144 ( 4marks)
5. The area of a rectangle is 771.043m2 and the length is 32.06m. Find its width
(4marks)
6. A hotel buys 87.045 kg of meat in a day. How much does it buy in 36 weeks
(5marks)
7. Write 3.125 as a mixed number in its lowest term (3marks)

21
 UNIT 5: APPROXIMATION AND ESTIMATION
1. Correct 69.999 to 1 decimal places
69.9/99
= 70

1. Correct 0562.09021 to 1 decimal places

0562.0/9021
= 562.1

2. Express 0.0615 to 2 decimal places

0.06/15
= 0.06

(SIR. T.PHIRI 2019 EDITION)

3. Express 145.52456 to 3 decimal places CELL: 0884 429 789
145.524/56
= 145.525

4. Express 0.003810 to 3 decimal places

0.003/810
= 0.004

5. Express 80.045 as a mixed number

80.045

80

= 80

22
6. Write 30.002 as a mixed number
30.002

30

= 30

7. Write 44.7 to the nearest 10

44.7
= 45

8. Express 59 to the nearest 10

59
= 60

9. Write 911 to the nearest 100

911
= 900

10. Write 46,412 to the nearest 1000

46,412
= 46,000

11. Express 1549 to the nearest 100 (2014 Q8)

1549
= 1500

12. Divide 784 by 10 giving your answer correct to the nearest whole
number
784 10
78.4
= 78

23
13. Express 198059 to the nearest hundred
198059
= 198100

14. Express 12.86403 to nearest whole number

12.86403
= 13

15. Correct 86943.5452 to the nearest tenth

86943.5/452
= 86943.5
16. Correct 22.2333 to the nearest hundredth
22.23/33
= 22.23

17. Find the area of a square whose side is 34.06, giving your answer correct
to the nearest cm2 (square centimeter)
Area of a square = S S

(34.06 34. 06) cm2

1160.0836

= 1160cm2

18. Express 0.1451 to 2 significant figures (2004 Q.2)

0.1451
= 0.15

19. Express 3.0552 to 2 significant figures (2010 Q.2)

3.0552
= 3.1

20. Write 0.0798 to 2 significant figures (2011 Q.10)

0.0798
0.08
24
21. Write 0.120532 to 3 significant figures
0.120532
= 0.121

22. Express as decimals and correct to 4 places

7 5 = 0.71428
0.7142/8
= 0.7143

EXERCISE 5

1. Write 710278 to 4 significant figures

2. Express 46.78543 to 4 significant figures
3. Express 90.34623m to 4 decimal places
4. Write 109.5462 to 2 decimal places
5. Express 276.206 to the nearest whole number
6. Express 8973.67 to the nearest whole number
7. Express 0.941 to 1 decimal places
8. Express as decimals and correct to four places

UNIT 6: RATE

1. The cost of travelling by coach from Blantyre to Lilongwe is K4800.if the

distance between Blantyre and Lilongwe is 300km,what is the cost of the
journey per km. (4marks)
Distance = 300km
Cost = K4,800
If 300km = K4,800
1km = less
1km K4,800
300km
= K16
25
2. John is paid K10, 000 for working for 3 hours. What is his pay rate per hour? (3
marks)

If 3hrs = K10,000

1hr = less

1hr K10,000
3hrs

= K3333.33

3. The distance covered by a cyclist from town A to town B is 217km. Find the
speed if 7 hours was taken to cover the distance. (5marks)

Distance = 217km
Time = 7 hrs

Speed = Distance
Time

217km
7hrs

= 31km/hr

4. A lorry covers a distance of 600km in 8 hours. A car covers the same distance in
5 hours. Calculate the difference in speed. (5marks)

a. The speed of the lorry and the car

Speed for a lorry = Distance
Time

26
 = 600km
8hrs

= 75km/hr

Speed of a car = 600km

5hrs
= 120km/hr difference = (120 75) km/hr = 45km/hr
b. The time each of the two vehicles arrived if both of them started off at 6
o’clock in the morning. (3marks)

Time the lorry arrived = 6:00am 8hrs

= 2:00pm (14:00)

Time a car arrived = 6:00 5hrs

= 11:00am

5. A cyclist moves a distance of 21km from Bwandilo to crossroad hotel . Calculate

time if 5km/hr was used. (4marks)

Distance = 21km
Speed = 5km/hr

Time = Distance
Speed

Time = 21km
5km/hr

= 4hrs 2min (4.2hrs)

27
6. A minibus takes 2 hours to travel from a town to a village at the speed of
50km/hr. how far is the village from the town? (4marks)

Time = 2 hrs
Speed = 50km/hr

Distance = Speed Time

= 125km
7. A train covers a distance of 266.5 km between 8.30am and 11.45am. Find its
speed in km/hr. (5marks)

Time from 8:30 to 11:45am

= 3hrs 15min
= 3 hrs
If 3 hrs = 266.5km
1 hr = less

Speed = 82 km/hr

8. Express 80 km/hr in m per second. (3marks)

In 1minute car travels =

In 1 sec car travlels = ( )

28
 = 22 min/sec

Speed is 22 min/sec

9. A minibus left Blantyre at 11.30am and reached Dedza at 3.00pm on the same
day. If it was travelling at an average speed of 60km/h, calculate the distance
covered. (5marks) {2017 Q.25 repeated 2006 Q.33)

Speed = 60 km/hr
Time = From 11:30am to 3:00pm (3hrs 30min)
=3 hrs
Distance = Speed Time

= 210km

10. Mary goes to a school that starts at 7:30am. One day she arrived at the
school 35 minutes late. At what time did she get there? (3marks) {2012 Q.15)
Starting time = 7:30am
Arrival time = 7:30 + 35min
= 8:05am

11. A bus left Majiga at 7:30 am and reached Dziwe at 10:30 am. If it was
travelling at an average speed of 90 km/h, what distance did it cover? (4
marks) {2010 Q.12)

Time = From 7:30am to 10:30am

= 3hrs
Speed = 90km/hr

29
 Distance = Speed Time

= 90km/hr 3hrs

= 270km

12. A minibus left Blantyre at 11:30 am and reached Dedza at 3:00 pm on the
same day .if it was travelling at an average speed of 60km/h, calculate the
distance covered. (6 marks) (2006 Q. 33)

Time = From 11:30 to 3:00

= 3hrs 30min
= 3 hrs

Distance = Speed Time

= 210km
13. Two cars leave Blantyre for Lilongwe at the same time, one via Zalewa a
distance of 360km and the other via Zomba a distance of 420km. If both cars
are travelling ta an average speed of 120km/h, what will be the time difference
in arrival? ( 5 marks) {2003 Q.32b)
I. A car via Zalewa
Speed = 120km/hr
Distance = 360km
Time = Distance
Speed
= 360km__
120km/hr
= 3hrs

30
 II.A car via Zomba
Time = 420km__
120km/hr
= 3hrs 5min
Time difference =( 3hrs 5min – 3hrs)
= 5min

I. A cyclist left his home at 9:00 am for the market travelling at a speed of 24
km/hr. He rested 1 hours and continued with the journey at the same
speed. If eh reached the market at 3:00pm, calculate the total distance
travelled. (5 marks) [2005 Q.32]

Time = From 9:00 am to 3:00pm

=6hrs
Real time of the journey = (6 1 ) hrs
= 4 hrs

Distance = Speed Time

= hrs

= 108km

EXERCISE 6

1. A bus travel from 8:00am to 3:00pm a distance of 520km. How long does it take
if it stopped for 30 minutes to reach the destination? (4 marks)
2. If a man walks 5km in 40 minutes, find his rate of walking in km/hr. (3 marks)
3. If a car travels 30km in 15 minutes, and a bus travels 35km in 20 minutes,. Find
their difference in km per minutes. (4 marks)

31
UNIT 7: RATIO AND PROPOTION
1. Express 86l to 258l to its lowest form ( 2 marks)
Ratio = 86: 258
= 1: 3

2. There are 8 teachers and 376 learners at a school. Find the ratio of teachers to
their learners in its simplest form. (2 marks) (2012 Q.4)
Ratio = teacher: learners
= 8:376
=1:47

3. Increase K780 .72 in the ratio 7:4 ( 3 marks)

= K780.72

=7 K195.18

= K1366.26

4. Decrease K45,500 in the ratio of 2:5 (3 marks)

= K45,500

=2 K9100

= K18,200
5. A certain sum of money is shared among three students in the ratio 2:3:5, If the
least got K12.00. How much was the sum altogether. ( 4 marks)
Ratio = 2:3:4
Least share = K12.00
Total ratio = 2+ 3+4
=9

If 2 = K12.00 (least)
9 = more
32
 12.00
=9 6
= K54 (total amount)

6. A certain amount of money was shared among three children in ratio 2:3:5. If
the least got K3, 000.00. Calculate the total amount. (5marks) [2012 Q.27]
Ratio = 2:3:5
Total ratio = 2+3+5
= 10
If 2 = K3, 000 (least)
10 = more
K3, 000

= 10 K1, 500
= K15, 000

7. A carton contains guavas and mangoes in the ratio 5:2 respectively. If the carton
contains 140 guavas, calculate the number of mangoes in the carton. (5 marks)
[2008 Q.5]

If 5 = 140 (guavas) or Total ratio = 5 + 2

2 = less (mangoes) =7
Mangoes = 2 140 If 5 = 140
5 7
= 2 28 2 = less
= 56 mangoes 7
2 5 140 = 2 7 140
7 7 7 5
= 2 28
= 56 mangoes
8. Three children like rice and two others like nsima. What is the ratio of children
who like nsima to those who like rice? (2 marks)

Ratio = nsima : rice

=2:3
33
 9. If the ratio of boys to girls in class is 3:4, what is the ratio of girls to boys?
(2 marks)
Ratio = girls : boys
= 4:3

10.A clock loses 4 minutes each week. How many minutes would it lose in 21 days
(4marks)
1 week = 4 mins
If 7 days = 4 mins
21 days = more
4 mins
=( 3 × 4) mins
= 12 minutes
A car uses 6 litres of petrol for a distance of 120 kilometres. How many
litres of petrol would be needed for a journey of 80 kilometres. (4 marks)

If 120 km = 6 litres
80 km = less
80km 6 lites
120km
= 80 litres
20
= 4 liters
12,Tadala shared sweets to Taonga and Upile in the ratio of 5:7. If Upile got 42 sweets.
How many sweets were there altogether? (5 marks)
Ratio = 5:7
Total ratio = 5 + 7
= 12
If 7 = 42 sweets
12 = more
12 42 sweets
7
= (12 6) sweets
= 72 sweets
34
 A bed and a table costs K3, 000. A bed costs twice as much as a table. How
much does each cost? (5 marks)
Ratio = bed : table
= 2:1
Total ratio = 2+1
=3
a bed costs = 2 K3, 000
3
= K (2 1,000)
= K2, 000

A table costs = 1 K3, 000

3
= K1, 000
11.A certain sum of money is shared among three students in the ratio 2:3:5. If the
least got K4,500, how much was the sum together? (5 Marks)
Ratio = 2:3:5
Total ratio = 2 + 3 + 5
= 10
If 2 = K4, 500 (least)
10 = more
10 K4, 500
2
= 5 K4, 500
= K22, 500

12.Three farmers put together money in the ratio 2;3:4 to buy fertiliser. Calculate
the bags of fertilisers each farmer received, if they bought 486 bags. (7 marks)

Total ratio = 2 + 3 + 4
=9
1st farmer = 2 486 bags
9
= (2 54) bags
= 108 bags

35
 2nd farmer = 486 bags
= (3 54 ) bags
=162 bags
3rd farmer = 486 bags
= (4 54) bags
= 216 bags
13.Takondwa and chikondi shared sweets in the ratio 5:7. If chikondi got 42
sweets, how many sweets did Takondwa get? ( 5 marks) [2014 Q. 12)
Total ratio = 5+7
= 12
If 7 = 42 sweets ( chikondi)
12 = more
12 42 sweets
7
= (12 6) sweets
= 72 sweets

14. Buthu , Mwali and Baba together bought a sewing machine at K3960. If they
contributed money in the ratio 4:7:9, how much did Mwali pay?
(3marks)

Total ratio = 4 + 7 + 9
= 20
Mwali =7 K3, 960
20
= K (7 198)
= K1, 386

36
15.Simplify the ratio, 2 : in its simplest form. ( 4 marks) [2003 Q.35 b)

Ratio = 2 : 4

= :

=4 : 4 ( multiply both side by the LCM of 4 and 2 which is 4)

= 9 : 18

=1:2

16.Three people shared 370 mangoes in the ratio : : . How many mangoes
does each person get? (7 marks)
Ratio = 24 : 24 24 ( multiply both sides by the LCM 24)
= 12 : 9 : 16
Total ratio = 12 + 9 + 16
= 37
1st person = 12 370
37
= 12 10
=120

2nd person = 9 370

37
= 9 10
= 90
3rd person = 16 370
37
= 16 10
= 160

37
17.If 2 people can dig a pit latrine in 180 hrs. Find the number of people who can
dig 11 pit latrines at the same rate. (4 marks)

Ratio = pit latrines : people

= 1: 2
If 1 pit = 2 people
11 pits = more
11 2 people
1
= (11 2) people
= 22 people

18.Three brothers share K5, 400 such that the youngest gets 45% of the amount;
the elder one gets 60% of the remainder. How much does the eldest brother
get? (5 marks)

The youngest = 45 K5, 400

100
= K (45 54)
= K2, 430
The remainder = K5, 400 – K2, 430
= K2, 970
60 K2, 970
100
= K (6 297)
= K 1, 782

19.A school has enough food to feed 540 pupils for 15 days. Find the number of
pupils who can feed on the same amount of food for 20 days at the same rate?
(4 marks)

Ratio = days: pupils

= 15: 540
If 15 days = 540 pupils
20 days = more
20 days 540 pupils
38
 15 days
= ( 20 36) pupils
=720 pupils

20.A garden was to be prepared by 24 people in 30 days. After working for 10

days, 14 men left. How long would the remaining people take to complete the
garden? ( 6 marks ) [2010 Q. 29)

24 people = 10 days
Remaining people = (24 – 14) people
=10 people
If 24 people = 10days

10 people = more

20 days (remaining days)

= (24 2) days

= 48 days

21.Chimwemwe is twice as much as Mphatso. If the sum of their ages is 36 years,

find the age of Chimwemwe. (5 marks) [2015 Q.28)

Ratio = Chimwemwe : Mphatso

= 2:1
Total ratio = 2+1 = 3

Chmwemwe = 2 36 ages
3
= (2 12) ages
= 24 ages

39
22.A lady spends of her salary on food, on house rent and the remaining
K26,000 on clothes. Calculate her monthly salary. (5marks) 2018 Q.26

Money spent on food and rent

= 2 1_
5 6
12 5_
30
= 17
30
The remaining on clothes = 30 17
30 30
= 13
30
If 13 = K26,000
30
30 = more
30
30 13 K26,000
30 30
= 30 30 K26,000
30 13
= K60, 000

EXERCISE 7

1. Wongani and Thoko shared oranges in the ratio 2 : . How many oranges
did the largest get if there are 240 oranges?
2. A pencil and a book cost K720. A book costs eight times as much as a pencil.
How much does each costs.
3. Chimwemwe , Chifundo and Mphatso shared 110 sweets, for every 2 sweets
Chimwemwe gets, Chifundo gets 3 and Mphatso gets 5. How many sweets did
each receive?
4. If a person can build a fence in 4 days. How long can 12 people take to build the
same fence?
40
 If 30 pupils can do a piece of work in 12 hours, calculate the number of pupils
that are needed to do the same work in 18 hours, at the same rate.
5. Mphatso , Upile and Chikondi had 16, 12 and 8 goats respectively. If these goats
were looked after by one boy who received a salary of K846 per month, how
much did Upile contribute (2003 Q. 16)

UNIT 8 : PERCENTAGES

1. Express 8 as a percentage (4 marks)

8 =

= 100%

= %

= 866 % or 866.67% (2 dp)

2. Express 99% as a decimal (2 marks)

99%=

= 0.99

3. Express 0.008 as a percentage (3 marks)

0.008 = 0.01 to 2 decimal places

= 100%

= 1%
41
4. Express 2.83 as a percentage (3 marks)
2.83 = 2
=2 100%
= (2 + 83) %
= 85%

5. Chisomo scored 90% in maths test. If the test was marked out of 20, what
marks did Chisomo get? (3 marks)
90% =

Marks = 20

= (2 9) marks

= 18 out of 20

6. A well is 3 m deep. If it has water up to the depth of 1.75m. What percentage

of the well holds water? (3 marks)

Depth of well holds water = 1.75m

=1 100%
= (1 + 75) %
=76%

7. Express 3:40 as percentage. ( 3 marks)

3:40 =
= 100%
= (3 2.5) %
= 7.5%

8. Increase 700 by 11%. (3 marks)

= 700 (11% of 700) or 700 (11% 100%)
42
 = 700 700 = 700
= 700 77 = 7 111
= 777 = 777

9. Increase 88 by 200%. (3 marks)

= 88 (200% of 88)
= 88 88
= 88 176
= 264

10. Decrease 120 by 5%. (3 marks)

= 120 – (5% of 120) or = 120 (100% - 5%)
= 120 – 120 = 120
= 120 – 6 = 6 19
= 114 = 144

11. Decrease 30 by 10%. (3 marks)

= 30 (100% 10%)
= 30
=3 9
= 27
12. In a school there are 300 girls and 200 boys. Find :
a. The ratio of girls to boys (2 marks)
Ratio = girls: boys
= 300:200
= 3:2

b. The percentage of girls in the school (3 marks)

Total ratio = 3 + 2
=5
Percentage = 3 100%
5
= (3 20) %
= 60%
43
13. The value of a Sofa set went down by 12% to K132 000 after one year.
Find the original value of the Sofa set. (4 marks) [2017 Q.27a)

Discount = (100 – 12) %

=88%
If 88% = K132 000
100% = more (original price)
100 K132 000
88
= K (100 1500)
= K150 000
14. Express as a decimal number, correct to 3 decimal places (3 marks)
[2014 Q.13)

= 0.3333
0.3333 (3 decimal places)
= 0.333

15. Chifundo scored 80% in a test. If the test was marked out of 20, calculate
Chifundo’s actual score. ( 4 marks) [2014 Q.14)

Total marks = 20
Chifundo = 80 20
100
=8 2
= 16

16.A school has 800 learners; 25% are girls. If 75% of the girls stay at the
boarding, find the number of girls who do not stay at the boarding. (5 marks)
[2013 Q.29b]

Number of girls at school = 25 800

100
= (25 8) girls
44
 = 200 girls
Girls stay at boarding = 75 200
100
= 150 girls
Girls do not stay at boarding = 200 – 150
= 50 girls

17.Fire destroyed 96% books in a library. If 200 books were not burnt, calculate
the original number of books in the library. (4 marks) [2012 Q.11]

Books not burnt = (100 – 96) %

= 4%
If 4% = 200 books
100% = more ( original number of books)
100 200 books
4
= (100 50) books
= 5 000 (books in the library)

18.The price of fuel has increased by 15%. If the original price was K150.00 per
litre, calculate the new price for 2 litres. (5 marks) [2009 Q. 2)

= K150 (100% + 15%)

= K150 115%
= K150 115
100
= K 345
2
= K 172.50 (for 1 litre)
2 litres = K172.50 2
= K345.00

19.Joyce scored 19 out of 25 in English while Dina scored 14 out of 25. Calculate
the difference between their scores in percentages. (4 marks) [2009 Q.11]
45
 Joyce = 19 100%
25
= (19 4) %
= 76%
Dina = 14 100%
25
= (14 4) %
= 56%
Different in percentages = 76% 56%
= 20%

20.During a one hour radio programme there were 18 minutes of talking and the
rest was music. What percentage of the programme was music. (4 marks)
[2007 Q.17)

Talking = 18 min
Music = (60 – 18) min
= 42 min
Percentage = 42min 100%
60 min
= (7 10) %
= 70%

46
 EXERCISE 8

1. Change 4 to an improper fraction [2017 Q.5]

2. A district has 94 0000 people. If the population increased at the rate of 4 %

per year, calculate the number of people after 6 month. (2007 Q. 7)

3. In 1999, a farmer sold his crops amounting to K36 000. In the following year,
the sales increased by 10%. How much did the farmer get in 2000? (2006
Q.11)
4. By what percentage should 460 be increased to give 483? ( 2006 Q.28)
5. The pass rate at a certain school decreased by 5%. If in the previous year 60
learners passed, how many learners passed in the following year?
6. A shopkeeper offered a discount of 20% for goods worthy K10 000.00. How
much did the customer pay?

UNIT 9: MONEY
This unit involves converting Malawi kwacha to any foreign currency and foreign
currency to Malawi kwacha using the exchange rate table provided. Converting
Malawi Kwacha to foreign currency the selling rate is utilised on the table whereas
foreign currency to Malawi Kwacha buying rate is used.

Exchange rate table

Buying Selling
Currency
US Dollar ($) K 139.10 K 141.89
British K 282.95 K294.27
pound (£)
SA Rand (R) K 18.80 K19.74
Euro () K223.47 K232.40
Botswana () K 21.74 K22.24

47
1. Madalo used of his money to buy pounds. How much money in pounds (£) did
he get if he had K385, 493.70? ( 3 marks)
Rate = K294.27
If K294.27 = £1
K385, 493.70 = more
K385,393.70 £1
K294.27
= £1310

2. Chimwemwe had K464, 859. She used K25, 000 for transport and changed the
remaining to US Dollar. How much money in US Dollar ($) did she get? ( 4
marks)

Remaining amount = K464, 859 – K25, 000

= K439, 859
Rate = K141.89
If K141.89 = 1$
K 439,859 = more
K439, 859 1$
K141.89
= $3100

3. Chance sent K382, 551 to his mother who is in Britain, of the amount was
used as a processing fee for sending the money. How many pounds (£) did she
receive? (correct to the nearest whole number) (4 marks)

Amount converted = 1 K382,551

3
= K127, 517
If K294.27 = 1£
K127, 517 = more
K127,517 1£
K294.27
48
 = £433.3333
= £433
4. Takondwa gave of $680 to Tawina. What is the Kwacha value of the remaining
Dollars ( 4marks)
Remaining dollar = 1 $680
4
= $170
Rate = K139.10
If $1 = K139.10
S170 = more

$170 K139.10
$1
= 170 K139.10
= K23, 647

5. Mary changed £220 to Kwacha and used K21, 200. How much did she remain
with? ( 4 marks)
Rate = K282.95
If £1 = K282.95
£220 = more
£220 K282.95
£1
= K 62, 249 – K21, 200
= K41, 049
6. Tinyade had 3490 Pula. She used 1450 Pula to buy goods. What is the Kwacha
value of the remaining Pula? (4 marks)
Remaining pula = 3490 pula – 1450pula
= 2040 pula
Rate = K21.74
If 1 pula = K21.74
2040 pula = more
2040 pula K21.74
1 pula
= K44, 349.60
49
7. A parent received 40 USA dollars from a son and 50 rands from a daughter.
How much in Malawi Kwacha did the parent receive? (6marks) [2011
Q.26]
Use the exchange rate as on 15/05/08

Currency Buying Selling

USA dollar K139.10 K141.89
Rand K18.80 K19.74

From Son = $40 From Daughter = R50

Rate = K139.10 Rate = K18.80
If $1 = K139.10 If R1 = 18.80
$40 = more R50 = more

$40 K139.10 R50 K18.80

$1 R1
= K5, 564.00 = K940.00
Total amount = K (5,564.00 + 940.00)
= K6, 504
8. Chikondi bought a bicycle in South Africa worth 500 rands. If one rand is
equivalent to K19.74, what is the value of the bicycle in Malawi Kwacha? (4
marks) [2010 Q.8]
Rate = K19,74
Amount = R500
If R1 = K19.74
R500 = more
R500 K 19.74
R1
= K9, 870

9. A girl gave of $600 to her brother. What is the value of the remaining dollars
in Malawi Kwacha? ( $1 = MK 700) ( 4 marks) [2017 Q.14)

Remaining dollar = 3 $600

4
= $450
50
 If $1 = K700
$450 = more
$450 K700
$1
= K315, 000

10. A business man browsed a car on internet worthy 1,500 dollars; he sent
an extra 700 dollars for shipping. How much in Malawi Kwacha did he pay to
access the car, if 1 dollar is equivalent to K950? (5 marks)
Rate = K 950

Total amount converted = $ (1,500 + 700)

= $2, 200
If $1 = K950
$2, 200 = more
$2, 200 K950
$1
= K (2,200 950)
= K2, 090,000

EXERCISE 9

1. Bertha bought a fridge from South Africa worthy K250, 000 and she was given a
transport K12,500 to get the fridge from Lilongwe to Karonga. How many rands
used to buy the fridge, if 1 rand is equivalent to K500?
2. How much money in Euro can a Malawian buy with K732, 060.
3. Convert K 21,950.88 to Pula.
4. A television screen costs R2, 150 in South Africa. How much is it in Malawi
Kwacha?
5. A business man had 320 Pounds, 670 Dollars and 1,200 Pula. He converted
them to Malawi Kwacha. How much money in Malawi did she get altogether?

51
UNIT 10: BILLS AND BUDGETS

1. Mr Banda had K15,000. He used some to buy 5kg of sugar at K130 per kg, 3 bags of
charcoal for K2500, 40 chambo fish at K2320 per unit, and used the balance to pay
for his electricity bill. How much was used to pay the electricity bill? ( 6 marks)

5 kg of sugar at K130 per kg = 5 K130 = K 650.00

3 bags of charcoal for K2,500 + = K 2,500.00
40 chambo fish at K2,320 per unit = 40 K2320 10 =K 9,280.00
Total bill = K 12,430.00

The balance = K15, 000 – K12, 430

= K2, 570

2. Calculate the cost of the following items

10 tomatoes at 2 for K50
3 books for K500
9 bunches of onion at K175 per 3 bunches
140 units of books at K99 per unit ( 5 marks)

Calculations
10 tomatoes at 2 for K50 = 10 2 K50 = K 250.00
3 books for K500 = K 500.00
9 bunches of onion at K175 per 3 bunches =9 K175 3=K 525.00
140 units of books at K99 per unit = 140 K99 10 = K 1386.00
Total bill = K2,661.00

3. A lady bought the following item from a shop

75cm cloth at K 120 per metre
2 units pens at K15 per pen
7 shirts for K4500
How much change did she get from K6,000.00 ( 8 marks) [2006
Q.32)

52
 Calculations
75cm cloth at K120 per metre = K120 = K 90.00
7 shirts for K4 500 = K4500.00
2 units pens at K15 per pen = 2 K15 = K 300.00
Total bill = K4890.00
The change = K6 000 – K4 890
= K1 110

4. Tina bought a dress at K3500. Zione made a similar dress from 2 metres piece
of cloth at K750 per metre, 6 buttons at 3 for K100 and thread for K60. How
much did Zione save? ( 5 marks) [2013 Q.27]

Calculations
2 metres of cloth at K750 per metre = 2 K750 = K 1 500.00
6 buttons at 3 for K100 = K100 = K 200.00
A thread for K60 = K 60. 00
Total bill = K 1 760.00
Amount saved = K3500 – K1760 = K1740.00
5. Mphatso bought 5 metres of cloth at K750 per metre, 18 bananas at 3 for K100
and 3 kg rice at K480 per kg. prepare a bill for Mphatso. (5 marks) [2017 Q.
24)

Calculations
5 metres of cloth at K750 per metre = 5 K750 = K 3 750.00
18 bananas at 3 for K100 = K100 = K 600.00
3 kg rice at K480 per kg = K480 = K 1 580.00
Total bill = K 5 930.00

53
6. 7 loaves of bread at K80.00 each, 3kg sugar at K95, per kg, 13 packets of salt at
K18.00 each, 4litres cooking oil at K186.00 per l. Prepare the bill. (4 marks)

Calculations
7 loaves of bread at K80 = 7 K80 = K 560.00
3 kg sugar at K95 = 3 K95 = K 285.00
13 packets of salt at K18 each = 13 18 = K 234.00
4 litres cooking oil at K186 each= 4 186 = K 764.00
Total bill K1,843.00

7. Mrs Zimba had K8, 520.00 to buy the following items: 48pencils at K18.50 each,
20 knives at K100 each, 25 rulers for K1,630, 26 bottles of soft drinks at K40.00
each and 30 tablets of soap at K35.50 each. Prepare budget for these items and
find her change. ( 8 marks)

Calculations
48 pencils at K18.50 = 48 K18.50 = K 888.00
20 knives at K100 each = 20 K100 = K 2 000.00
25 rulers for K1 630 = K 1 630.00
26 bottles of soft drinks at K40 each = 26 K40 = K 1 040.00
30 tablets of soap at K 35.50 each = 30 K35.50 = K 1 065.00
Total bill = K 6 563.00
The change = K8520 – K6563
= K1 957

54
8. Table 2 shows Mama’s budget for the month of February 2018
(2018 Q.25b)
Item Cost for one
Quantity item Amount
(K) (K)
Sugar 5 packets 850.00 4250.00
Cooking oil 3 bottles 1200.00 3600
Soap 2 units 800 1600.00

(i) Complete the table

Amount for cooking oil = 3 K1200
= K 3600.00
Cost for soap = K1600
2
= K 800
(ii) Find the total cost for Mama’s budget (4marks)
The total cost = K (4250 + 3600 + 1600)
= K 9450.00

EXERCISE 10 A farmer bought the following items: 2 bags of maize

seed at K365 per bag, 5kg of beans at K115.50 per kg, 3 bags of maize at K3450 per
bag and 2 hoes at K185.80 each
a. Prepare a bill for him
b. How much change did he receive after paying K12 500.00?

1. Chifundo buys the following items; 1 heap of tomatoes at K25.00 per heap and 3
bundles of onions at K15.00 per bundle. If he gives a K500 note. Calculate the
correct change he receives. ( 2003 Q.11)

2. 20 rulers at k7.71 each, 15 rubbers at K9.50 each, 3 kg beef at K210.00 per kg,
30 boxes of matches at k 4.92 each. Prepare the bill.

3. Mr phiri bought the following items for his daughter:

2 dresses at K250 each
4 exercise books at K 45 each
If he paid K1 000 , how much change did he get? ( 2004 Q.14)

55
UNIT 11: PROFIT AND LOSS
Key words:
 Cost price
 Selling price
 Profit
 Loss
 Profit %
 Loss %

Usable formulas:
 Profit = selling price – cost price
 Selling price = cost price + profit
 Loss = cost price – selling price
 Cost price = selling price – profit

 Profit % = profit 100%

Cost price

 Loss % = loss 100%

Cost price
Note:
 Cost price = 100%
 Selling price with a profit = 100% + profit
 Selling price with a loss = 100% - loss
1. Find the profit made after selling 10 bales of sugar at K3,000.00 each if each
bale was bought at K2,860.00 (4 marks)
Cost price = 10 K2 860
= K28 600
Selling price = 10 K3 000
= K30 000
Profit = selling price – cost price
= K30 000 – K28 600
= K1 400

56
1. Maggie bought 15 mattresses at K9,999.00 each. She sold 12 of them at
K10,500.00 each and the rest at k10,240.00 each. Calculate the total profit she
made (4 marks)

Cost price = 15 K9 999.00

= K 149 985
Selling price = (12 K10 500) + (3 K10 240)
= K 126 000 + K 30 720
= K 156 720
Profit = selling price – cost price
= K 156 720 – K 149 985
= K 6 735

2. Find the selling price of a bag of fertiliser if it was bought at K5,820.00 and
made a profit of K1,400.00 after selling it. (3 marks)
Cost price = K5 820.00
Profit = K1 400
Selling price = cost price + profit
= K5 820 + K1 400
= K7 220.00

3. A market vendor bought 24 units of oranges for K1,800. If 2 units were bad and
the rest were sold at K78 per unit, find the loss. (4 marks)
Cost price = K1 800
Good units = (24 – 2) units
= 22 units
Selling price = 22 K78
= K1 716
Loss = cost price – selling price
= K1 800 – K1 716
= K84

57
4. 4 units of tea packets were bought at K5,800 and sold at K195 each. Find the
total profit made. (4 marks)
Cost price = K5 800
Selling price = 4 K195
= K7800
Profit = Selling price – Cost price
= K7 800 – K5 800
= K2 000.00

5. Mr Banda bought 6 baskets of tomatoes at K780 each. He sold three of the

baskets at K950 each, the other two at K1 200 each. The sixth basket was sold
at K680. Find the total profit that Mr Banda made. (6 marks) [2007 Q.32b]

Cost price = 6 K780

= K4 680
Selling price = (3 K950) + (2 K1200) + K680
= K 2 850 + K 2 400 + K680
= K 5 930
Profit = selling price – cost price
= K5 930 – K 4680
= K1 250
6. Bread is sold at K124.80 each at a profit of 4%. Calculate;
i. The cost price per unit
ii. Profit on each unit sold

(i) selling price = cost price + profit

= 100% + 4%
= 104%
If 104% = K124.80
100% = less (cost price)
100% K124.80
104%
Cost price = K 120
(ii) profit = Selling price – Cost price
= K124.80 – K120.00
= K4.80
58
7. A vendor bought 240 eggs for K6 000.00. Calculate the profit percent made, if
22 eggs were broken and the rest were sold at K30.00 each. (6 marks)
[2011 Q.24)
Cost price = K 6 000.00
Good eggs = (240 – 22) eggs
= 218 eggs
Selling price = 218 K30
= K6 540
Profit = Selling price – Cost price
= K6 540 – K6 000
= K540
Profit % = profit 100%
Cost price
= K 540 100%
K6000
= 9%

8. A bed was sold at a loss K1650. If the cost price of the bed was K3510. What
was the selling price ( 3 marks) [2010Q.4)
Loss = K1650
Cost price = K3510
Selling price = cost price – loss
= K3510 – K1650
= K1 860

9. A grocer bought 100 packets of yeast at K126.50 per 10 packets. If the yeast
was sold at a profit of K2.50 per packet, calculate the total selling price.
Cost price = 100 K 126.50
10
= K1265.00
Profit = 100 K2.50
= K250
Total selling price = cost price + profit
= K 1265 + K250
= K1 515

59
10. A boy sold 150 oranges. Find the amount he paid as a market fee if he was
charged 20t on each orange sold. (3 marks) [2006 Q.19]
1 orange = 20t
150 oranges = more
150 20t
= 3000t
= 3000t K1
100t
= K30.00

11. A girl bought 2 units of apples at K300 and sold each apple at a profit of
K5. Find the selling price of the 2 units of apples (4 marks) [2004 Q.8]
Cost price = K300
Profit = 20 K5
= K100
Selling price = cost price + profit
= K300 + K100
= K400

12. By selling a radio at K4 200, trader makes a loss of 30%. Calculate the
cost price of the radio. (5 marks) [2005 Q.23)
Selling price = (100% - 30%)
= 70%
If 70% = K4 200
Cost price = more (100%)
100% K4 200
70%
Cost price = K (100 60)
= K6 000

13. Chippo bought a box of pencils at K 6,400. She sold them at K7,040. What
was her profit percent? (5 marks)
Cost price = K6 400
Selling price = K 7 040
Profit = selling price – cost price
= K7 000 – K6 400
60
 = K640
Profit % = profit 100%
cost price
= K640 100%
K6 400
= 10%

14. A fridge was bought at K62,500 and sold at K61, 250. Find the loss
percent (5 marks)
Cost price = K62 500
Selling price =K61 250
Loss = cost price – selling price
= K62 500 – K61 250
= K1 250
Loss % = Loss 100%
Cost price
= K1 250 100%
K62 500
= 2%

15. Dalitso lost 3% after selling a radio for K46 560.00. Find the amount she
lost. (5 marks)
Selling price = (100% - 3% )
= 97%
If 97% = K46 560
100% = more (Cost Price)
100% K46 560
97%
Cost price = K48 000
Loss = Cost price – Selling price
= K48 000 – K 46 560
= K1 440

61
16. Tawina made a loss by selling 8 baskets of tomatoes for K1820. If the cost
price of each basket was K 250.00, calculate the loss percent ( 5 marks) [
2009 Q.33b]
Selling price = K1 820
Cost price = 8 K250
= K2 000
Loss = cost price – selling price
= K2 000 – K1 820
= K180
Loss% = Loss 100%
Cost price
= K180 100%
K2 000
= 9%
17 A trader lost 10% by selling a motorbike for K125,000, at what price should it
be sold to make a profit of 5%?
Selling price = (100% - 10%)
= 90%
If 90% = K125 000
100% = more (CP)
100% K125 000
90%
Cost price = K138 888.89 (2 d.p)
To gain 5% = (100 + 5) %
= 105%
If 100% = K138 888.89
105% = more
105% K138 888.89
100%
= K145 833.45

10. After selling a bicycle at K10,800, a person made a loss of 10%. At what
price must the person sold it to gain 5%? (5 marks) [2014 Q.25]
Selling price = (100% - 10%)
= 90%
If 90% = K10 800
62
 100% = more (CP)
100% K10 800
90%
= K12 000 (CP)

To gain 5% = (100 + 5) %
= 105%
If 100% = K 12 000
105% = more
105% K12 000
100% = K12 60

11. A shopkeeper bought a tin of paint at K2 500.00 and sold at K2 900.00.

Calculate the profit percent. (4 marks) [2014 Q.10]
Cost price = K 2 500
Selling price = K 2 900
Profit = Selling price – Cost price
= K2 9000 – K2 500
= K400
Profit % = Profit 100%
Cost price
= K400 100%
K2 500
= 16%

12. By selling a car for K500 000, a loss was made at the rate of 6t per
kwacha. Find the amount lost. (3 marks) [2013 Q.18]

Amount lost = 6t K500 000

100t
= K (6 5000)
= K30 000

63
13. A shirt was sold for K2 000.00. If it was sold at a profit of 25%, calculate
the cost price. (4 marks) [2012 Q.24]
Selling price = (100% + 25%)
= 125%
If 125% = K2 000
100% = less (CP)
100% K 2 000
125%
= K1 600

14. Tayamika bought 20 mangoes at 4 for 40t and she sold them at 5 for 60t.
What was her profit? (3 marks) [2011 Q.12]
Cost price = 20 40t
4
= K200t
Selling price = 20 60t
5
= 240t
Profit = (240 – 200) t
= 40t

15. By selling 4 tins of rice at K9,000.00 per tin, a trader made a loss of 10%.
Calculate the cost price of rice per tin. (5 marks)
Selling price = (100% - 10%)
= 90%
If 90% = K9000
100% = more (cost price)
100 K9000
90
= K10,000.00

64
 16. A person bought 20 units of fruits for K2000 and sold them at a profit of
K50 each. Calculate the selling price of each fruit. (3 marks)
[2018 Q.25a]

Cost price = K2000

Profit = 20 units K 50
= K1000
Selling price = profit + cost price
= K1000 + K2000
= K3000 (20 units)
Each fruit = K 3000
200
= K15
EXEERCISE 11

1. Mable bought 16 crate of soft drinks at K700 per crate and sold them at K800
per crate. Find the total profit made.
2. Bertha bought cooking oil at K 42,300. He sold it at a profit of 15%. What was
his selling price
3. By selling a plot for k149 408, a loss is made at the rate of 8t in the kwacha. Find
:
i. The amount lost
ii. The cost price of the plot
4. Miss Banda sold a drum at K 1 996.50. she made a profit of K 289.50. Find the
cost price of the drum.
5. Linda bought 250 bags of ground nuts at K5 500.00 each. If 120 bags were sold
at a loss of 150.00 each. Find the selling price.
6. A school shop buys 100 units of pens for k15 350.40 and sells them at K164 per
unit. Find the profit percent.
7. Esther bought two 10 litres of cooking oil at K22 500 and sold them at K18 000.
Find her loss percent.
8. Patricia lost 10% by selling clothes for K150 000. At what price must sold to
gain a profit of 5%.

65
 NB: This work is solely owned by SIR.T.PHIRI and nobody is allowed to use it

illegally without the consent of the owner.

Should you want to do any business with it, contact the owner using the

contacts below:

Mr Phiri is renowned Primary School teacher with vast experience in science

subjects and these notes have been formulated in a way so as to make

Mathematics no longer a burden.

Other notes for all the subjects for senior section are also available written by

the same Writer.

CELL : 0884 429 789.

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©SIR.T.PHIRI 2019 PRODUCTIONS

66
MANEB KEY
CORE- ELEMENTS AND THEIR RESPECTIVE MARKS
( HOW MARKS ARE ALLOCATED DURING EXAMINATIONS)
1. NUMBERS, OPERATIONS AND RELATIONSHIP (25 Marks)

TOPICS FROM STANDARD 5

 Counting
 Addition
 Subtraction
 Multiplication
 Division
 Factors and multiples
 Common fractions
 decimal numbers

TOPICS FROM STANDARD 6

 Counting
 Addition and Subtraction
 Multiplication and Division
 Basic operations
 HCF
 LCM
 Fractions
 Rate
 Ratio
 Decimals
 Approximation and Estimation

67
 TOPICS FROM STANDARD 7
 Numbers
 Roman numerals
 Basic operations on whole numbers
 Additions and Subtractions
 Multiplications and Divisions
 Averages
 HCF and LCM
 Basic operation of fractions
 Basic operation on decimals
 Approximation and Estimation
 Rate, Ratio and proportion
 Percentages

TOPICS FROM STANDARD 8

 Roman numerals
 HCF and LCM
 Averages
 fractions
 Decimals
 Approximation and Estimation
 Rate ,Ratio and Proportion
 Percentages

2. ACCOUNTING AND BUSINESS STUDIES (25 Marks)

TOPICS FROM STANDARD 5
 Addition of money
 Subtraction of money
 Multiplication of money
 Division of money

68
 TOPICS FROM STANDARD 6
 Money
 Addition of money
 Subtraction of money
 Multiplication of money
 Division of money

TOPICS FROM STANDARD 7

 Bills and Budget
 profit and Loss
 Commission and Discount
 Postal services
 Bank services
 Cash account
 Bank account

TOPICS FROM STANDARD 8

 Money
 Bills and budget
 Profit and Loss
 Discount and Commission
 Taxes
 Premium
 Postal services
 Bank services
 Simple account

3. SPACE AND SHAPE (10 Marks)

STANDARD 5
 Geometrical shapes in the environment
 space

69
 TOPICS FROM STANDARD 6
 angles

TOPICS FROM STANDARD 7

 Geometrical shapes

TOPICS FROM STANDARD 8

 constructions
 Scale drawing

4. MEASUEMENTS (20 Marks)

TOPICS FROM STANDARD 5
 Length
 Capacity
 Mass
 Area
 Volume

TOPICS FROM STANDARD 6

 Length
 Capacity
 Mass
 Time
 Area
 Volume
 Temperature

TOPICS FROM STANDARD 7

 Length, Capacity and Mass
 Time
 Area

 Volume
 Temperature

70
 TOPICS FROM STANDARD 8  Additions of like terms
 Perimetre  Subtractions of like
 Mass terms
 Area  Number sentences
 Capacity and Volume  Inequalities
 Temperature
 Graphs

5. PATTERNS,FUNCTIONS
AND ALGEBRA ( 10 Marks)
TOPICS FROM STANDARD 5
 Patterns
 algebraic expressions

TOPICS FROM STANDARD 6

 Patterns
 number sentences
 Inequalities

TOPICS FROM STANDARD 7

 Patters
71
 TOPICS FROM STANDARD 8
 Patterns
 Like and Unlike terms
 linear equations
 Inqualities

6. DATA HANDLING ( 10
Marks)
TOPICS FROM STANDARD 5
 Picture and bar graph

TOPICS FROM STANDARD 6

 Graphs

TOPICS FROM STANDARD 7

 Graphs

TOPICS FROM STANDARD 8

 Graphs
 Mean , Mode and
Median

72