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A Change in Code

Age 14 to 16
Challenge Level Yellow star
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All numbers in the first column have been increased by the same percentage, to give the results shown in the second column.

But the results have been disguised - their digits are replaced by letters.

A given letter stands for the same numeral every time it appears in that column, so for example, whatever the C stands for, it stands for that numeral every time the C appears.

Can you work out the percentage increase?

 
a change in code (first)
 

Notice that all the numbers in the first column are multiples of 5, and all the numbers in the second column are whole numbers. 

Notice that when 80 is increased by the secret percentage, the result is a two-digit number.
 


What about this next set?

It's a new coding - the letters now stand for different numerals.

What percentage have the numbers in the first column been increased by this time?


Notice that all the numbers in the second column are multiples of 5. 

Notice that when the numbers in the first column are increased by the secret percentage, the result is almost always a two-digit number.
 


Can you work out the percentage increase here?

Different coding again, and much harder...


Do the numbers in the second column have a common factor?
 

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The NRICH Project aims to enrich the mathematical experiences of all learners. To support this aim, members of the NRICH team work in a wide range of capacities, including providing professional development for teachers wishing to embed rich mathematical tasks into everyday classroom practice.

NRICH is part of the family of activities in the Millennium Mathematics Project.

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