Fractions, decimals and the order of operations Edexcel International GCSE Mathematics A revision
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In plain words
A fraction is a division waiting to happen: 3/4 means 3 ÷ 4. Fractions, decimals and percentages are three ways of writing the same amount. And when a calculation has several steps, there is an agreed order to do them in.
Three things to know
- To add or subtract fractions, give them the same denominator first. To multiply, multiply the tops and multiply the bottoms. To divide, flip the second fraction and multiply.
- Fraction to decimal: divide the top by the bottom. Decimal to percentage: multiply by 100.
- Order of operations (BIDMAS): Brackets, Indices, Division and Multiplication, Addition and Subtraction.
Worked example
Work out 2/3 + 3/4.
- A common denominator is 12: 2/3 = 8/12 and 3/4 = 9/12.
- 8/12 + 9/12 = 17/12.
- As a mixed number: 1 5/12.
Tips and tricks
- Change mixed numbers into top-heavy fractions before multiplying or dividing.
- In 3 + 4 × 2, the multiplication comes first: the answer is 11, not 14.
It lands in your notebook with its questions as flashcards.
Fractions, decimals and the order of operations: 5 questions and answers
These are the quiz’s questions. Do the quiz first, then come back here for the ones that got you.
What is 1/2 + 1/3?
3/6 + 2/6.
What is 3/8 as a decimal?
3 ÷ 8.
What is 2/3 × 3/5?
6/15, which cancels to 2/5.
What is 20 − 2 × 3²?
3² = 9, then 2 × 9 = 18, then 20 − 18.
What is 1/4 ÷ 1/2?
1/4 × 2/1 = 2/4.
Quiz
5 questions
Tap an answer and you’ll see straight away whether it’s right, and why.
Worksheet
4 questions, 8 marks. Write your answers on paper, then check them.
Fractions, decimals and the order of operations
Edexcel International GCSE Mathematics A 4MA1 · 8 marks · papermunch.org
Name ______________________________ Date ______________
Work out 3/5 − 1/4.[2]
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7/20. 12/20 − 5/20.
Work out 2 1/2 × 1 1/5.[2]
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3. 5/2 × 6/5 = 30/10.
Work out 3/4 ÷ 2/5.[2]
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15/8, or 1 7/8. 3/4 × 5/2.
Work out 3 + 4 × 2².[2]
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19. The power first (4), then 4 × 4 = 16, then add 3.
Answers: Fractions, decimals and the order of operations
- 1. 7/20. 12/20 − 5/20.
- 2. 3. 5/2 × 6/5 = 30/10.
- 3. 15/8, or 1 7/8. 3/4 × 5/2.
- 4. 19. The power first (4), then 4 × 4 = 16, then add 3.