GCSE MATHS FOUNDATION TIER “TOP TIPS” 2016

These are the major topics that we are pretty certain you could well see on your second paper.

Number
Types of number
Percentages
Conversion – fractions  decimals %
Ratio
Negative numbers
Efficient use of calculator
Prime factors
Best buys / Be able you write a number in words and vice versa andpick factors/multiples/square/prime numbers from a list
Aquestioncould be onpercentage increase or decrease – READ CAREFULLY.
Be able to convert between them
Remember how to divide two amounts in a given ratio.
Make sure you can do arithmetic using negatives
Remember about brackets and powers. You will have a lot of questions using a calculator, so make sure you can use it!
Use factor trees to decompose the number into factors.
Use Venn diagrams to find HCF/LCM
Make sure your conclusion is clear.

Algebra

Sequences
Solving equations
Formula
Graphs
Trial & Improvement
Inequalities
Deriving algebraic equations
Midpoint of a line / Finding an expression for the nth term; you may have to do this from a diagram/pattern
This is a certainty! Remember how to solve equations with x on both sides
Make sure you can substitute into a simple formula.
Plotting a graph from a table of values
Make sure you know how to justify the answer at the end
Simple inequalities. Know the correct symbols
These often rely on diagrams involving perimeters of shapes or angles in shapes
Be able to do this given two coordinates

Shape & Space

Construction/Accurate drawing

Similar Figures
Angles
Symmetry
Translation and enlargement
Area/circumference of circle
Pythagoras’ Theorem
3D solids/plans and elevations/nets
Distance/time graphs
Making estimates/units of measure
Bearings
Two way tables / Could be a triangle construction already, but there could be a loci question or one to do with line/angle bisectors.
Use scale factors to find lengths
You might get something on interior/exterior angles of polygons or parallel line theorems. Be able to GIVE REASONS
Remember rotational symmetry as well as reflectional
Remember to describe transformations correctly. Use column vectors for translations
Learn the formulas for circumference and area
Learn Pythagoras’ Theorem and how to apply it. Make sure you know how to find a shorter side.
Be able to draw different views or the 3D solid – know the names of 3D solids. Be able to use isometric paper.
Remember the formula for speed
Know the difference between metric and imperial and know how to read scales. Also, memorise a few conversions eg 1 kg = 2.2 lbs, 5 miles = 8 km. Expect a question involving converting units oftime
Be able to draw and measure bearings accurately.
Be able to find distances between two places from a table of distances.

Handling Data

Representing data graphically
Mode, Median & Mean
Grouped data(could be from frequency tables)

Probability

Scatter Diagrams / Especially frequency polygons . Stem and leaf diagram or bar chart is possiblebut less likely
Remember which is which! Remember range is a measure of spread, not an average.
Remember to how to find averages when the data is in a frequency table.
Probabilities (possibly decimal) adding up to 1; relative frequency may come up.
You may need to draw a two way table for probability of two events.
Be able to describe both correlation and relationship

The first paper had some tough questions, so the second one may be easier, but don’t count on it.

Don’t panic, but don’t be complacent – put in the hard work and you’ll be fine.

If you can’t manage all these topics, start with the ones in bold type. Good luck!

Mr Burani