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.
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.