GCSE Maths Practice: best-value

Question 9 of 10

Rice is sold in different bag sizes at proportional prices. Compare the unit prices carefully.

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\( \begin{array}{l} \text{Which rice bags offer the same best value for money?} \end{array} \)

Select all correct options:

If the unit prices are equal, the products offer the same value.

Higher GCSE Best Value with Equal Cost per Kilogram

In Higher tier GCSE Maths, not every best value question has a single correct answer. Some questions are designed so that different products are priced in exact proportion to their size. When this happens, the cost per unit is the same for all options, meaning they all offer equal value.

This type of question tests whether students understand the principle of unit pricing rather than relying on shortcuts such as choosing the largest or cheapest-looking pack. Recognising equal value is an important skill, especially at Higher tier.

The Core Idea: Unit Price

For products sold by weight, the fairest way to compare value is to calculate the cost per kilogram.

  1. Check that all weights are measured in kilograms.
  2. Divide the total price by the weight.
  3. Compare the unit prices.

If all unit prices are the same, then all options offer the same value for money.

Worked Example

A shop sells bags of lentils as follows:

  • 500 g for £1.05
  • 1 kg for £2.10
  • 2 kg for £4.20

Convert grams to kilograms where needed, then calculate cost per kilogram:

  • £1.05 ÷ 0.5 = £2.10 per kg
  • £2.10 ÷ 1 = £2.10 per kg
  • £4.20 ÷ 2 = £2.10 per kg

Each bag costs exactly the same per kilogram, so none is better value than the others.

Another Higher-Tier Example

Flour is sold as:

  • 1.5 kg for £3.60
  • 3 kg for £7.20
  • 5 kg for £12.00

Dividing price by weight shows that all options have the same unit price.

Common Higher-Tier Mistakes

  • Assuming bigger is better: Larger packs are not automatically better value.
  • Choosing only one answer: Equal unit prices mean multiple answers can be correct.
  • Not checking every option: All unit prices must be calculated.

Real-Life Applications

Retailers often price products proportionally so customers can choose pack size based on convenience rather than cost. This is common for staples such as rice, flour, sugar, and pet food.

Understanding equal value helps you recognise when there is no financial advantage to buying a specific size.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can all options really be correct?
Yes. If the unit price is the same, all options offer equal value.

Why include these questions in exams?
They test understanding rather than pattern recognition.

Is this common at Higher tier?
Yes. Multiple-answer best value questions appear regularly.

Exam Tip

If unit prices match exactly, trust your calculations — equal unit cost means equal value.

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