Numbers

The Numbers unit in GCSE mathematics is for both foundation and higher tier. In the foundation tier, it carries 25%weightage while in the higher tier; it carries 15% weightage of the syllabus. 

What do you study in numbers?

The whole syllabus of numbers is divided into 16 topics:

Unit 1: Topics 1-4 are for foundation tier only.

Topic 1: 

• Order positive & negative integers, decimals & fractions using the symbols =, ≠, & ≤, ≥

Topic 2: 

• Apply the four operations to decimals, integers, simple fractions, & mixed numbers 
• Understand & use place value

Topic 3: 

• Recognize and use the relationships between operations
• Use the conventional notation for the priority of operations

Topic 4: 

• Use the concepts & vocabulary of prime numbers, factors, multiples, common multiples, common factors, lowest common multiple, highest common factor, prime factorization, including using product notation & unique factorization theorem

Topic 5:

• Foundation tier: apply systematic listing strategies
• Higher tier: Usage of the product rule in counting

Topic 6:

• Foundation tier: use positive integer powers & associated real roots, recognize powers of the numbers 2, 3, 4, & 5
• Higher tier: estimate the powers & roots of any positive number

Topic7:

• Foundation tier (additional): calculate with roots, & with integer indices
• Higher tier: calculate with fractional indices

Topic 8:

• Foundation tier: calculate precisely with fractions
• Additional foundation tier: calculate exactly with the multiples of π
• Higher tier: calculate exactly with surds, & also simplifying surd expressions that involve squares and rationalize denominators

Topic 9:

• Foundation tier: calculate with and interpret the standard form a × 10n, Where 1≤A< 10 and n is an integer

Unit 2: Fractions, decimals, & percentages

Topic 10:

• Foundation tier: terminating decimals & their corresponding fractions
• Higher tier: transform recurring decimals to their corresponding fractions & vice versa

 Topic 11:

• Foundation tier: identify & work with fractions in ratios

Topic 12:

• Foundation tier: interpret fractions & percentages as operators

Unit 3: measures and accuracy

Topic 13:

• Foundation tier: use the standard units of length, mass, time, money & other measures using decimal quantities wherever appropriate

Topic 14:

• Foundation tier: estimate answers and check calculations with approximation & estimation, including answers obtained by technology

Topic 15:

• Foundation tier: round numbers & measures to an apt degree of accuracy
• Additional foundation tier: Usage of inequality notation to identify simple error intervals because of truncation or rounding

Topic 16:

• Additional foundation tier: use inequality notation to specify simple error intervals due to truncation or rounding
• Higher tier: upper and lower bounds

What is the difficulty level of the questions from the GCSE mathematics numbers?

The difficulty level of the questions increases from foundation tier to a higher tier. Initial screening is done with both foundation and additional foundation tier questions. As students develop confidence and proficiency with the exam pattern, they are allowed to appear for the higher tier. However, if students opt for a higher tier exam, all the questions from foundation and additional foundation tier can be asked.

What skills do you learn with GCSE mathematics numbers and what are the learning outcomes?

The numbers from GCSE mathematics is meant to equip students with the following skills:

• Understanding and applying mathematical concepts like interest, profit, loss, GDP, etc. to their real-life scenarios.
• Ability to understand and use graphs, tables, and charts.
• Knowledge, use and inter-change of metric and imperial units of measurement.

Is it tough to clear this exam?

No. You need to clear your concepts and pay attention to regular practice. Opt for the foundation tier and then go for the higher tier. Clearing this exam will open multiple career avenues for you. So, it is always in your best interest to invest your 100% in its preparation.