This exam tips covers Common Mistakes to Avoid within Fractions Basics for GCSE Mathematics. Revise Fractions Basics in Number for GCSE Mathematics with 12 exam-style questions and 22 flashcards. This topic appears less often, but it can still be a useful differentiator on mixed-topic papers. It is section 12 of 14 in this topic. Treat this as a marking guide for what examiners are looking for, not just a fact list.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Wrong: Not simplifying: Answer = 6/8
✅ Right: Always simplify: 6/8 = 3/4
Marks lost for not giving simplest form
❌ Wrong: 2½ = 2×1 + 2 = 4/2
✅ Right: 2½ = 2×2 + 1 = 5/2
Multiply whole by denominator, not numerator
❌ Wrong: ¾ of 80 = 80÷3×4
✅ Right: ¾ of 80 = 80÷4×3 = 60
Divide by denominator first, then multiply
Practice questions for Fractions Basics
In the fraction 5/8, which number is the denominator?
Explain the difference between a proper fraction, an improper fraction and a mixed number. Give one example of each.
Quick recall flashcards
Visualizing fractions
Pizza model: Whole divided into equal slices
Bar model: Rectangle split into equal parts
Number line: Fractions between 0 and 1
Always think: Parts out of a whole
Parts of a fraction
Numerator = top number (how many parts)
Denominator = bottom number (total parts)
Fraction bar = division line
3/4 means '3 out of 4 equal parts'