Struggling with silly mistakes in your maths papers? You’re not alone! Here are 5 common GCSE Maths errors students make – and how you can avoid them.
1. Not showing working
Even if you know the answer, examiners want to see how you got there. Always show your steps to pick up those method marks!
2. Rushing the question
Many students lose marks by not reading the full question. Take 5 extra seconds to read it properly – it could save your grade!
3. Misusing your calculator
Using the calculator for everything can lead to wrong answers (especially with brackets and order of operations). Know when to use it – and when not to.
4. Forgetting units
Always include the correct units (cm, m², etc.) at the end of your answer – it’s a super-easy mark that’s often missed.
5. Leaving blanks
Never leave a question empty. Even a guess or part-method could earn you marks. Use what you know and try!
Quick Tip: Practise under timed conditions using past paper worksheets (available on this site!) and mark your answers carefully to spot these mistakes early.
Avoiding these small slip-ups can make a big difference. Keep practising and stay sharp — you’ve got this!
-- MathsGCSETips4U Team