Number – AQA GCSE Mathematics (8300)

Key Concepts

• Integers, decimals, fractions, percentages
• Order of operations (BIDMAS)
• Negative numbers and absolute value
• Rounding and significant figures
• Bounds and estimation
• Indices and standard form
• Ratio and proportion basics

Definitions & Examples

• Integer: A whole number, e.g., -2, 0, 7.
• Decimal: Number with digits after a decimal point, e.g., 3.14.
• Fraction: Part of a whole, e.g., 3/4 or 7/2.
• Percentage: Fraction out of 100, e.g., 25% = 0.25.
• Standard Form: Express numbers as a × 10^n, e.g., 3.2 × 10^4.

Methods

• Use BIDMAS for correct order of operations
• Convert between fractions, decimals, and percentages
• Rounding: nearest integer, decimal place, significant figures
• Calculate upper and lower bounds for estimates
• Use powers and roots with indices
• Apply ratios to divide quantities proportionally

Advantages & Disadvantages

• Advantages: Essential for all areas of maths, practical applications, problem solving.
• Disadvantages: Can be tricky to remember conversions, rounding errors possible, careful with negative numbers and bounds.

Practice Questions

• Convert 0.375 to a fraction and percentage.
• Round 3.14159 to 3 significant figures.
• Write 0.00056 in standard form.
• Calculate the upper and lower bounds for 12.4 ± 0.05.
• Evaluate 2^3 × 5^2 ÷ 10.