- Show all working: Method marks available even if answer wrong
- Cancel before multiplying: Easier than simplifying large numbers after
- Check reasonableness: Multiplying proper fractions gives smaller answer
- Mixed numbers: Convert at start, reconvert at end if needed
- Division check: Dividing by fraction < 1 gives larger answer
This exam tips covers Exam Tips 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 14 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
Explain why you need a common denominator when adding fractions, but not when multiplying fractions.
Quick recall flashcards
Multiplying fractions
Top × Top, Bottom × Bottom
2/3 × 3/4 = 6/12 = 1/2
No need for common denominators!
Quick: 1/2 of 3/4
1/2 × 3/4 = 3/8
Half of anything: divide by 2
Or multiply by 1/2