GCSE Maths
GCSE Maths
Comprehensive revision notes for GCSE Maths, covering all major exam boards (AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC).
These notes cover the full GCSE Mathematics specification, from number and algebra through to geometry, ratio, and statistics. Each topic page includes key methods, worked examples, and exam-style questions to test your understanding. The content is mapped to the national curriculum and organised by topic for easy navigation.
Topics
Topics Covered
- Number — arithmetic, fractions, decimals, percentages, indices and roots, standard form, surds, financial maths, bounds and accuracy
- Algebra — expressions and formulae, solving equations, inequalities, sequences, graphs of linear and quadratic functions, simultaneous equations, rearranging formulae
- Ratio, Proportion & Rates of Change — ratio, direct and inverse proportion, compound units (speed, density, pressure), growth and decay, compound interest
- Geometry — angles, triangles and polygons, circles (circumference, area, arcs, sectors), 3D shapes, transformations, congruence and similarity, Pythagoras’ theorem, trigonometry, vectors
- Statistics — data collection and sampling, representing data (charts, tables, histograms, cumulative frequency), measures of central tendency and spread, scatter graphs and correlation, probability
How to Use These Notes
- Start with the topics you find most challenging and work through the notes systematically
- Try to explain each concept back in your own words after reading a section
- Use the topic links above to jump between related concepts when revising
- Combine these notes with past paper practice for the best results
Study Tips
- Show all working precisely; method marks can save you even when the final answer is wrong
- Practise non-calculator arithmetic regularly — mental maths speed helps across every topic
- Learn formulae that are not given on the formula sheet (e.g., quadratic formula, cosine rule, area of a trapezium)
- Work through exam-style problems under timed conditions to build speed and identify weak areas early
- Focus on the topics that carry the most marks — algebra and geometry commonly account for a large share of the paper
- Check your answers by estimating or using inverse operations; a quick sense-check catches many errors
- Review common pitfalls such as sign errors in algebra, mixing up area and circumference formulae, and misreading scale on graphs
- Keep a mistake log of questions you get wrong in practice and review it before the exam to avoid repeating the same errors
- Focus on problem-solving and multi-step questions — they carry the most marks and are where most students lose ground
Summary
The key principles covered in this topic are linked in the sub-pages above. Focus on understanding the definitions, applying the formulas or frameworks, and evaluating strengths and limitations of each approach.
Worked Examples
Worked examples demonstrating the application of key concepts are covered in the detailed sub-pages linked above.
Common Pitfalls
- Confusing terminology or concepts that appear similar but have distinct meanings.
- Overlooking key assumptions or boundary conditions that limit applicability.