Three tricky GCSE exam questions that only a true maths whizz will crack

17 April 2023 , 16:05

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The Mirror has set three tricky exam questions, from a real GCSE paper (Image: Getty Images)

For those lucky enough to be blessed with a natural aptitude for numbers, maths may well have been a very enjoyable subject indeed. Unfortunately, for those of us keener on the humanities, the very thought of walking into a classroom filled with graph paper and figures may still elicit a shudder.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke today spoke out about what he regards as Britain's "anti-maths mindset", which he believes could be holding the country back.

With this in mind, the Mirror has decided to set three tricky questions from a higher AQA paper sat by GCSE students back in 2021. Remember, this is a non-calculator test, so pop your phone away.

1. For two marks, have a go at this first question about two children called Lily and Hugo:

PM Rishi Sunak is keen to get everyone loving maths

A tough one to start with if, like many of us, you've not used maths since your own GCSE days. You're not being timed here, and you don't need to worry anymore about getting on your chosen college course, so have a look back and try again if you're not quite there yet.

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When you're ready to move on, have a peek below at the following answer, which reveals Lily's age in months as a fraction of Hugo's age in months.

Did you manage it?

Did you manage to get it? Don't worry if not. We all have our strengths and remember this is from a higher paper intended for teens in the top sets of their year group.

Not to mention, many of us adults won't be using advanced maths skills in our day-to-day lives, unless our profession requires it of course.

2. When you're feeling suitably recovered, try and figure out 2,000 x 70,000, for another two marks, showing your working out:

GCSE students will have to grapple with some tricky questions come exam time

Now, this one may look a bit simpler at first, but it's not at all - especially when you're also being tested not just on the answer you give, but also on how you've managed to work it all out.

Give it a good go, get your grey matter whirring away, and when you're ready, have a look and see how well you did. Make sure to give yourself a gold star if your working out looks anything like this.

Does your working out match up?

Now algebra isn't everybody's cup of tea, but many find a real pleasure in it, and perhaps you can too, even if you've long put away your school books.

Just like any good puzzle, algebra helps you develop your critical thinking and reasoning skills, and you may well find you're better than you think after a bit of practice.

3. For three marks this time, try and solve this equation:

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Again, working out here is just as key as giving the answer itself. The teacher will want to see that students understand the method they're using, not just taking a lucky guess.

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Have a read-back through, see if you've missed anything, and maybe give your pencil a good sharpen, before taking a look at your third and final exam answer. Check it out for yourself below:

Showing your working out can be just as important

Did you manage all three? Give yourself an A* and a well-deserved pat on the back.

Do you have a puzzle to share? Email us at [email protected]

Julia Banim