Introduction to Percentages

Percentage is a convenient method of representing the part of a whole expressed in hundredths. Per cent means per hundred. The symbol % is used.

In a discount warehouse a hi-fi music centre is priced at £256. The customer is entitled to a 10% discount, but he must pay 17.5% VAT. Does it make any difference whether the discount is subtracted before or after adding the VAT?

How do you begin to answer this question?