Step by step
The question
Question: change €290 to pounds, when £1 = €1.16.
£1 = €1.16. Change €290 to pounds.
1 Write the rate
The rate says: 1 pound is worth 1.16 euros.
£1 = €1.16
From pounds to euros, we multiply by 1.16.
Going back, we divide by 1.16.
pounds → euros: × 1.16
euros → pounds: ÷ 1.16
2 Divide by the rate
Each £1 gives €1.16.
So we find how many €1.16 fit in €290: we divide by 1.16.
€290 = £ 2901.16
Careful!
From euros back to pounds goes the other way.
We divide, not multiply.
Careful: not 290 × 1.16 = 336.4 ✗
To divide by 1.16, we move the point in both numbers 2 places: 29000 divided by 116.
290 ÷ 1.16 = 29000 ÷ 116
= 250
So 290 divided by 1.16 is £250.
= £250
So €290 is £250.
3 Check
Let's check: change the answer back.
£250 times 1.16 is €290.
change it back: £250 × 1.16 = 290
That is what we started with.
So the answer is right!
€290 — what we started with
Let's look back.
First: write the rate.
Then: divide by the rate.
Last: check.
Answer
= £250