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 14 in this topic. Treat this as a marking guide for what examiners are looking for, not just a fact list.
Topic position
Section 13 of 14
Practice
14 questions
Recall
22 flashcards
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ 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!