Mathematics: Number, Algebra, Geometry and Data
Core content
The Mathematics paper rewards steady accuracy more than speed. Number work covers fractions, decimals, percentages, ratio and proportion, directed numbers, and the order of operations (brackets first, then powers, then × and ÷ left to right, then + and − left to right). Algebra covers simplifying expressions, expanding brackets, solving linear equations and inequalities, and substituting values into formulae. Geometry asks for angle facts (angles on a straight line, angles in a triangle, parallel lines cut by a transversal), perimeter, the area of rectangles, triangles and circles, and the volume of cuboids and cylinders. Measurement questions test unit conversion - mm, cm, m, km; g and kg; mL and L; minutes to hours. Statistics and probability require mean, median, mode, range, and the reading of tables, bar charts and pie charts.
Traps to expect
- Dividing by a fraction such as 3/4 ÷ 2/5: invert the second fraction and multiply.
- Percentage change: a 20% rise followed by a 20% fall does not return to the starting value (1.2 × 0.8 = 0.96).
- Forgetting that the three angles of a triangle add to 180°, and that angles on a straight line add to 180°.
- Rounding in the middle of a calculation instead of at the end.
Worked example
Solve 3(x − 4) = 2x + 5. Expand: 3x − 12 = 2x + 5. Subtract 2x from both sides: x − 12 = 5. Add 12: x = 17. Check: 3(17 − 4) = 39 and 2(17) + 5 = 39. Correct.
Rule of thumb: always substitute your answer back into the original equation. It costs ten seconds and catches most algebra slips.