---
title: How to type maths symbols in your exam
description: How to type maths symbols in your exam
---

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# How to type maths symbols in your exam

In your Open Awards maths exam you will be required to show your calculations. These need to be shown in the 'Workings' box in your exam. Your workings out need to be expressed so that the examiner marking your exam understands it.

![Click on Mathematics Level 2 (FSMO290) (Practice)…](https://help.passfunctionalskills.co.uk/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/7946175a-0011-4fbb-b46c-bd634c6bfac5-1.png)

## **Addition**

If you are showing an addition calculation in your working out then you can display it like this:

- 4 **+** 2
- 4 **plus** 2
- 4 **add** 2

## Subtraction

If you are showing a subtraction calculation in your working out then you can display it like this:

- 6 **-** 3
- 6 **minus** 3
- 6 **subtract** 3
- 6 **take away** 3

## Multiplication

If you are showing a multiplication calculation in your working out then you can display it like this:

- 2 **x** 7
- 2 **\*** 7
- 2 **multiplied by** 7
- 2 **times** 7

## Division

If you are showing a division calculation in your working out then you can display it like this:

- 10 **/** 5
- 10 **divided by** 5

## Equals

When you are showing a division calculation in your working out then you can display it like this:

- 3 x 3 **=** 9
- 3 times 3 **equals** 9
- 3 times 3 **is** 9

## Brackets

It is very useful to use brackets in your working out, don't forget BIDMAS!

- **(**2 + 3**)** x 4 = 20

## Percentage

If you are showing a percentage in your working out or answer then you can display it like this:

- 25 **%**
- 25 **percent**

## Fraction

If you are showing a fraction in your working out or answer then you can display it like this:

- 1/4

## Ratio

If you are showing a ratio in your working out or answer then you can display it like this:

- 1:3

## Units

You may need to show units in some of your answers, here are some examples:

- Money: £, p
- Distance/length: km, miles, m, cm, mm
- Area: m2, cm2 (m^2, cm^2)
- Volume: m3, cm3 (m^3, cm^3)
- Time: hours (h), minutes (m)
- Speed: km per hour (km/h), miles per hour (mph)
- Angle: degrees
- Weight: g, kg

## Other Types of Answers

You may need to order numbers, it is best to do this by separating them with a comma:

1/8, 1/6, 1/4, 1/2, 1

Some questions may ask you to give a reason for your answer:

No, Amy would not make it to the cinema on time because it takes her 37 minutes to get there and she left 34 minutes before the film started.

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