Mathematics

    OCR
    GCSE

    Specification: J560

    Mathematics builds your numerical fluency and problem-solving abilities across algebra, geometry, statistics and more. You'll develop logical reasoning skills applicable to science, finance and everyday decisions.

    17

    Topics

    6

    Objectives

    58

    Exam Tips

    66

    Pitfalls

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    Study Guides

    6 revision guides for OCR GCSE Mathematics

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    Key Features

    • Master algebraic manipulation
    • Solve multi-step problems
    • Apply statistics and probability
    • Develop proof and reasoning

    Assessment Objectives

    AO1
    50%

    Use and apply standard techniques

    AO2
    25%

    Reason, interpret and communicate mathematically

    AO3
    25%

    Solve problems within mathematics and in other contexts

    What Gets Top Grades

    A*/Grade 9

    Knowledge & Understanding

    Demonstrates comprehensive and accurate knowledge

    • Uses correct subject-specific terminology
    • Shows detailed understanding of concepts
    • Makes accurate connections between topics
    • Demonstrates depth beyond surface-level knowledge

    Application

    Applies knowledge effectively to new contexts

    • Selects relevant knowledge for the question
    • Adapts understanding to unfamiliar scenarios
    • Uses examples appropriately
    • Shows awareness of context

    Analysis & Evaluation

    Develops sophisticated analytical arguments

    • Constructs logical chains of reasoning
    • Considers multiple perspectives
    • Weighs evidence to reach justified conclusions
    • Acknowledges limitations and nuances

    Key Command Words

    OCR
    State
    1 mark

    Give a single fact or term

    Identify
    1 mark

    Name or select

    Describe
    2-4 marks

    Account of process or features

    Explain
    3-6 marks

    Give reasons with BUSINESS-FACING outcomes

    Analyse
    6-9 marks

    Examine methodically showing cause→effect→outcome

    Evaluate
    9-12 marks

    Judge, weigh up evidence, reach SYNOPTIC conclusion

    Common Exam Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exams

    • •Confusing the magnitude of negative numbers, for example, stating that -0.5 is smaller than -0.8 due to ignoring the negative sign's effect on value
    • •In estimation questions, performing the exact calculation first and then rounding the answer, rather than rounding components to 1 significant figure first as required
    • •Incorrectly manipulating indices, such as multiplying bases together when powers differ, or treating a negative power as a negative number (e.g., 2^-3 = -8)
    • •Applying operations from left to right ignoring BIDMAS, particularly performing addition before multiplication
    • •Premature rounding of intermediate values leading to an inaccurate final answer outside the accepted range
    • •Entering negative numbers into a calculator for squaring without using brackets, resulting in a negative output (e.g., -3² = -9)
    • •Confusing decimal places with significant figures, often counting zeros at the start of a number as significant
    • •Dividing the total quantity by one of the ratio parts rather than the sum of the parts (e.g., for 2:3, dividing by 2 instead of 5)

    Top Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for exam success

    • •In estimation questions, you must write down the rounded values (e.g., 'approx 50', 'approx 0.2') to secure method marks even if the final calculation is wrong
    • •When ordering decimals, add placeholder zeros so all numbers have the same number of decimal places; this prevents treating '0.4' as smaller than '0.35'
    • •For standard form calculations on non-calculator papers, handle the coefficients and powers of 10 separately, then adjust the final result to ensure valid standard form
    • •When asked to 'Estimate', you must round every number to 1 significant figure BEFORE performing any calculation; exact answers often score zero
    • •Write down the full calculator display before rounding your final answer; this ensures you can recover method marks if the rounding is incorrect
    • •For questions involving bounds, calculate the maximum and minimum possible values first; do not calculate the answer and then apply bounds
    • •When solving 'best buy' problems, explicitly calculate the cost per unit (e.g., 100g or 1 litre) for both items; marks are awarded for the comparison method, not just the choice
    • •Annotate ratio parts with the specific names (e.g., write 'Red : Blue' above '3 : 4') to avoid reversing the order in the final answer

    Specification Topics

    17 topics

    Number and Place Value

    0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

    Calculations

    0 objectives3 tips4 pitfalls

    Ratio and proportion

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Powers and roots

    0 objectives3 tips4 pitfalls

    Probability

    2 objectives3 tips4 pitfalls

    Fractions, Decimals and Percentages

    4 objectives3 tips4 pitfalls

    Expressions and Formulae

    0 objectives3 tips4 pitfalls

    Equations

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Sequences

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Graphs

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Angles

    0 objectives3 tips4 pitfalls

    Area and Perimeter

    0 objectives3 tips4 pitfalls

    Volume

    0 objectives3 tips4 pitfalls

    Pythagoras' Theorem and Trigonometry

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Vectors

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Constructions

    0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

    Data Handling

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

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