This exam tips covers Common Mistakes to Avoid within Ratio Basics for GCSE Mathematics. Revise Ratio 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 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
12 questions
Recall
22 flashcards
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Wrong: Adding to ratios: 2:3 + 1:2 = 3:5
✅ Right: Cannot add ratios directly
Convert to fractions or find common format first
❌ Wrong: Ignoring order: 3:5 same as 5:3
✅ Right: Order matters in ratios
3:5 means first is 3 parts, second is 5 parts
❌ Wrong: Not converting units: 2m : 50cm = 2:50
✅ Right: 200cm : 50cm = 4:1
Always convert to same units before simplifying
❌ Wrong: Forgetting to simplify: Answer 10:15
✅ Right: 10:15 = 2:3
Always give ratio in simplest form