Common Mistakes to Avoid

Part of Fraction Operations · Section 13 of 15

Exam TipsUnit: NumberGCSE
❌ Wrong: 1/2 + 1/3 = 2/5 ✅ Right: 1/2 + 1/3 = 3/6 + 2/6 = 5/6

Can't add numerators and denominators separately

❌ Wrong: 2/3 × 3/4 = 6/7 ✅ Right: 2/3 × 3/4 = 6/12 = 1/2

Multiply tops together, bottoms together

❌ Wrong: 3/4 ÷ 1/2 = 3/8 ✅ Right: 3/4 ÷ 1/2 = 3/4 × 2/1 = 3/2

Must flip second fraction when dividing

❌ Wrong: Not simplifying final answer ✅ Right: Always give in simplest form

6/8 should be 3/4 - marks lost!

This exam tips covers Common Mistakes to Avoid within Fraction Operations for GCSE Mathematics. Revise Fraction Operations in Number for GCSE Mathematics with 14 exam-style questions and 22 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 13 of 15 in this topic. Treat this as a marking guide for what examiners are looking for, not just a fact list.

Practice questions for Fraction Operations

Which of these fractions is the largest? ⅔ ¾ ⅗ ⅝

  • A. ⅔
  • B. ¾
  • C. ⅗
  • D. ⅝
1 markfoundation

Explain why you need a common denominator when adding fractions, but not when multiplying fractions.

2 marksstandard

Quick recall flashcards

Quick: 1/2 of 3/4
1/2 × 3/4 = 3/8 Half of anything: divide by 2 Or multiply by 1/2
Multiplying fractions
Top × Top, Bottom × Bottom 2/3 × 3/4 = 6/12 = 1/2 No need for common denominators!

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