Introduction
With your non calculator exam just around the corner, it's important to know what topics will be assessed. That's why we're here to help! In this blog post, we'll cover all the non calculator topics you need to know for this year's exam. From algebra to geometry, measures to statistics, we've got you covered. Plus, we'll share some tips and tricks for revising and give you a heads up on the types of questions you might encounter.
Remember this is not an exhaustive list for the non calculator paper, most questions from the calculator paper can be edited a little to make it a non calculator question.
So, let's get started and ace that non calculator paper!
Number and Algebra
Alright, let's start off with some number and algebra, one of the key topics you need to master for the non calculator paper. This will form a majority of your non calculator paper. In this section, we'll cover everything from simplifying expressions to solving equations, and more. You'll need to have a good understanding of these algebraic concepts to tackle the non calculator questions with confidence. Below is a list of topics we believe will only come up on Paper 1. So, let's break it down step by step and get you on your way to acing that GCSE Maths exam!
- Long multiplication - ensure you can perform long multiplication using the column method and also are able to do long division
- Percentages and ratios
- Indices - know the laws of indices including fractional and negative powers and be able to substitute numbers without a calculator.
- Standard form - perform standard form without a calculator, this includes multiplying, dividing and converting into ordinary form.
- Percentages without calculator - be able to find percentages of amounts, percentage increase and decrease, reverse percentages and simple interest without a calculator. Remember the numbers will be simple in the non calculator paper.
- Fractions - you should be able to perform fractional arithmetic in proper form, improper form and mixed fraction form.
- Fractions of amounts
- Converting between fractions, decimals, percentages
- Estimation and Approximation - rounding numbers to one significant figure and then estimate values to complex calculations
- Product of Primes - writing a number as a product of its prime factors eg 24 = 2x2x2x3
- HCF and LCM - Finding the HCF and LCM of larger numbers with the use of a Venn Diagram
- Surds - simplifying surds, multiply and dividing surds and rationalising the denominator
- Recurring Decimals into Fractions - make sure you can convert recurring decimals
- Quadratic factorisation - Factorising quadratics can come up in this paper. Its unlikely to come up in a non calculator paper these days as most calculators can do this for you.
- Completing the Square - another topic that they generally dont put in a calculator paper because you calculator can do most of the work
Geometry and Measures
Moving on to geometry and measures, this section covers some important concepts you need to know for the non calculator paper. From calculating angles and sides of shapes to working with circles and triangles, geometry can be a tricky subject. But don't worry, we'll guide you through the essentials of Pythagoras' theorem and trigonometry, as well as the formulas for finding the area and circumference of a circle. By the end of this section, you'll have a solid understanding of the key geometry and measures topics that will be assessed on the GCSE Maths exam. Let's dive in and get started!
- Exact Trigonometric Values - learn the table of values for sin, cos and tan of 0,30,45,60 and 90 degrees
- Pythagorean Triples such as 3,4,5 and 5,12,13 and multiples of them
- Area and Circumference of a circle in terms of Pi
- Volume and Surface Area of 3D shapes in terms of Pi
Statistics and Probability
Statistics and probability are crucial parts of the GCSE Maths syllabus, and you'll need to be able to tackle non calculator questions in these areas. In this section, we'll cover some of the key topics you need to know, including representing data using graphs and charts, calculating measures of central tendency, and understanding basic probability concepts. We'll also touch on tree diagrams, which can be a bit tricky to master but are essential for solving some types of probability questions. By the end of this section, you'll have a solid grasp of the fundamentals of statistics and probability, and be ready to tackle any non calculator questions that come your way!
- Tree Diagrams in fractions - although this can come up in either paper it is more likely to be in paper 1
- Reading from statistical graphs - can be non calculator or calculator paper
- cumulative frequency, histograms, box plots again can appear in any paper
Types of Questions that may come up
To prepare for the non calculator paper, it's important to have an idea of the types of questions you might encounter. Here are some examples of the types of questions that could be on the exam:
1. Multiple choice questions
This year, the exam board has made a change to the GCSE Maths exam format. They have removed the multiple choice questions that often appear at the beginning of the paper. This means that the entire exam will be made up of open-ended questions, with no multiple choice options provided. It's important to be aware of this change in format and to prepare accordingly, as you'll need to show your working and justify your answers without the aid of multiple choice options.
2. Word problems
Word problems require you to apply your maths knowledge to real-life situations. Make sure to read the problem carefully, underline key information, and identify what you're being asked to find. Then, use your maths skills to solve the problem. It's important to show your working clearly, so that the examiner can follow your thought process.
3. Graph and table interpretation
You may be asked to interpret graphs or tables and answer questions based on the data presented. Make sure to read the axis labels carefully, and look for trends or patterns in the data. You may need to calculate averages or percentages based on the data, or make comparisons between different data sets. It's important to pay attention to units of measurement and to label your answer appropriately.
4. Calculations with fractions, decimals, percentages
Calculations involving fractions, decimals, and percentages are a common feature of the non calculator paper. Make sure to know how to convert between these forms, and how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide them. You may also need to simplify fractions, or find a percentage increase or decrease. It's important to check your answers carefully to ensure they make sense in the context of the question.
5. Algebraic manipulation
Questions involving algebraic manipulation may require you to simplify expressions, solve equations, or factorise quadratic expressions. Make sure to know the rules of algebra, and practice working through example questions. You may also need to apply algebra to word problems or real-life situations. It's important to show your working clearly, so that the examiner can follow your thought process. Proof questions can also appear at the end of a non calculator paper such as
“Prove algebraically that the difference between the squares of any two consecutive integers is equal to the sum of these two integers.”
6. Geometry and measures calculations
Geometry and measures questions may require you to calculate the area, perimeter, or volume of shapes. Make sure to know the relevant formulas, and practice applying them to example questions. You may also need to calculate angles, or use Pythagoras' theorem to find the length of a side of a right-angled triangle. It's important to label your answer appropriately, and to check your calculations carefully.
Questions involving Pi usually come up in Paper 1 where you will need to give your answers in terms of Pi. These may be questions involving circles, cones, cylinders, spheres and frustums.
7. Other topics
Other topics that may come up on the non calculator paper include probability, sequences, and surds. Probability questions may require you to calculate the probability of an event occurring, or to use tree diagrams to work out the probability of multiple events occurring. Sequence questions may ask you to find the next term in a sequence, or to calculate the sum of a certain number of terms. Surds questions may ask you to simplify or manipulate expressions containing surds.
Remember, the key to success on the non calculator paper is to practice, practice, practice! Work through as many example questions and past papers as you can, and make sure to identify and address any areas of weakness. With hard work and dedication, you can achieve great results on the GCSE Maths exam.
Tips on revising for the non calculator paper
Preparing for the GCSE Maths non calculator paper can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can increase your chances of success. Here are some tips and strategies to help you revise:
1. Create a study schedule
Set aside specific times for studying each day, and stick to your schedule. This will help you stay focused and ensure you cover all the topics you need to know. Make sure to include breaks in your schedule to avoid burnout, and to give your brain time to process what you've learned.
2. Practice past papers
Practice makes perfect! Work through as many past papers as you can to get a sense of the types of questions that might come up, and to identify areas where you need more practice. Make sure to time yourself when working through past papers, so that you get used to the time constraints of the actual exam. On our website you can find over 100 exam papers to practice.
GCSE Maths AQA 4365 (old spec)
3. Work through example questions
Make sure you understand how to work through example questions in your textbook or revision guide. This will help you get a handle on the key concepts and techniques you'll need to know for the non calculator paper. Try to work through example questions without looking at the answers first, and then check your work to see where you went wrong.
4. Identify areas of weakness and focus on those
Be honest with yourself about which topics you find challenging, and focus on those. Don't be afraid to seek extra help from teachers, tutors and friends. There are a number of videos on our YouTube channel and shorter videos on our TikTok channel
5. Stay positive and keep practicing
Finally, remember that the non calculator paper is just one part of your GCSE Maths exam. Stay positive, keep practicing, and don't let setbacks get you down. With hard work and determination, you can achieve great things!
Some additional tips to consider:
- Make flashcards to help you memorize key formulas and concepts.
- Take care of your physical and mental health by getting enough sleep, exercising, eating well, and taking breaks when you need them.
Remember, the key to success on the non calculator paper is to practice, practice, practice! Use these tips and strategies to make the most of your revision time, and go into the exam feeling confident and prepared.
Conclusion
As the non calculator paper approaches, it's essential to know the topics that will be assessed and to prepare effectively. In this blog post, we've covered all the non calculator topics you need to know for this year's GCSE Maths exam, including number and algebra, geometry and measures, and statistics and probability. We've also provided an overview of the types of questions you might encounter, as well as tips and strategies for revising.
By following the tips we've provided, such as creating a study schedule, practicing past papers, working through example questions, and identifying areas of weakness, you can prepare effectively for the non calculator paper. Remember to stay positive, take care of your physical and mental health, and keep practicing!
At Mathinar, we provide a wealth of resources to help you prepare for the GCSE Maths exam, including over 100 past papers, video tutorials, and revision guides. We're here to support you every step of the way, so don't hesitate to reach out if you need extra help.
We wish you the best of luck on your GCSE Maths exam. With hard work and determination, you can achieve great things!
