Exchange Rates (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Maths: Extended): Revision Note

Exam code: 0580 & 0980

Guided study available on this topic

Understand this topic with deeper explanations and understanding checks.

Exchange rates

Exchange rates are used to compare and convert between different currencies.

How do I convert between currencies?

  • Start by writing the exchange rate

    • £1.00 (GBP) = €1.17 (EUR)

  • To convert from GBP to EUR, multiply by 1.17

    • Because 1.00 × 1.17 = 1.17

  • To convert from EUR to GBP, divide by 1.17

    • Because 1.17 ÷ 1.17 = 1.00

  • To find £28 in Euros

    • 28 × 1.17 = €32.76

  • To find €75 in Pounds

    • 75 ÷ 1.17 = £64.10 (to the nearest penny)

Examiner Tips and Tricks

If you can't work out whether to multiply or divide when converting currency:

  • Work out the value if multiplied, and write it down

  • Work out the value if divided, and write it down

  • Look at the exchange rate and consider if you are expecting a bigger number than the original, or a smaller number

  • Select the correct answer!

Worked Example

On a particular day, the exchange rate from US Dollars to Japanese Yen is:

1 US Dollar = 155.62 Japanese Yen

and the exchange rate from Australian Dollars to Japanese Yen is:

1 Australian Dollar = 102.09 Japanese Yen

An item costs 40 US Dollars.

Find the cost of the item in Australian Dollars.

Answer:

The first exchange rate is 1 US Dollar = 155.62 Japanese Yen
So to convert from US Dollars to Japanese Yen, multiply by 155.62

40 × 155.62 = 6224.80 Japanese Yen

The second exchange rate is 1 Australian Dollar = 102.09 Japanese Yen
So to convert from Japanese Yen to Australian Dollars, divide by 102.09

6224.80 ÷ 102.09 = 60.9736... Australian Dollars

Round to 2 decimal places as we are dealing with money

60.97 Australian Dollars

Unlock more, it's free!

Join the 100,000+ Students that ❤️ Save My Exams

the (exam) results speak for themselves:

Build on this topic

Jamie Wood

Author: Jamie Wood

Expertise: Curriculum Expert

Jamie graduated in 2014 from the University of Bristol with a degree in Electronic and Communications Engineering. He has worked as a teacher for 8 years, in secondary schools and in further education; teaching GCSE and A Level. He is passionate about helping students fulfil their potential through easy-to-use resources and high-quality questions and solutions.

Dan Finlay

Reviewer: Dan Finlay

Expertise: Portfolio Lead

Dan graduated from the University of Oxford with a First class degree in mathematics. As well as teaching maths for over 8 years, Dan has marked a range of exams for Edexcel, tutored students and taught A Level Accounting. Dan has a keen interest in statistics and probability and their real-life applications.