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Edexcel IGCSE Maths (4MA1) · Unit 1: Number

IGCSE Maths Fractions and Decimals Questions and Answers

Fractions and Decimals questions with full solutions for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Mathematics A (4MA1), Higher tier. Read the 5 worked examples first, then cover each solution and redo it yourself.

Practise fractions and decimals in Unit 1 →Fractions and Decimals revision notes

What this topic covers

Fractions and Decimals worked examples

Worked example 1: Fraction to decimal and percentage

Write \(\tfrac{3}{8}\) as a decimal and as a percentage.

Solution

  1. Divide: \(3\div8=0.375\).
  2. Multiply by 100 for a percentage: \(0.375\times100=37.5\%\).

Answer: 0.375 and 37.5%

Tip: Learn the eighths: 1/8 = 0.125.

Worked example 2: Subtracting mixed numbers

Work out \(3\tfrac{2}{5}-1\tfrac{3}{4}\).

Solution

  1. Improper fractions: \(\tfrac{17}{5}-\tfrac{7}{4}\).
  2. Common denominator 20: \(\tfrac{68}{20}-\tfrac{35}{20}=\tfrac{33}{20}\).
  3. As a mixed number: \(1\tfrac{13}{20}\).

Answer: \(1\tfrac{13}{20}\)

Tip: Converting to improper fractions avoids borrowing errors.

Worked example 3: Multiplying mixed numbers

Work out \(2\tfrac{1}{4}\times1\tfrac{5}{9}\).

Solution

  1. \(\tfrac{9}{4}\times\tfrac{14}{9}\).
  2. Cancel the 9s: \(\tfrac{14}{4}=\tfrac{7}{2}\).
  3. \(=3\tfrac{1}{2}\).

Answer: \(3\tfrac{1}{2}\)

Tip: Never multiply the whole numbers and fractions separately.

Worked example 4: Fractions in context

350 students are in a year group. \(\tfrac{2}{7}\) of them walk to school. \(\tfrac{3}{5}\) of the rest come by bus. The others come by car. How many come by car?

Solution

  1. Walk: \(\tfrac{2}{7}\times350=100\).
  2. Rest: \(350-100=250\).
  3. Bus: \(\tfrac{3}{5}\times250=150\).
  4. Car: \(250-150=100\).

Answer: 100

Tip: 'Of the rest' means use the remaining amount, not the original total.

Worked example 5: Decimal multiplication and division

Work out (a) \(0.36\times4.5\) (b) \(7.2\div0.06\).

Solution

  1. (a) \(36\times45=1620\); there are 3 decimal places in total, so 1.620 = 1.62.
  2. (b) Multiply both numbers by 100: \(720\div6=120\).

Answer: (a) 1.62 (b) 120

Tip: When dividing, make the divisor a whole number first.

Every question and worked example here is original, written for IGCSE Math Revision rather than copied from Pearson papers, and each answer was re-solved independently before publishing.

Revise fractions and decimals for the exam

Questions students ask

Which Edexcel IGCSE Maths papers test fractions and decimals?

Either Higher tier paper, 1H or 2H, can test fractions and decimals: both cover the whole Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Mathematics A (4MA1) specification and both allow a calculator. Show your method, because most marks are for working.

Where can I practise more fractions and decimals questions?

In the IGCSE student hub: Unit 1 (Number) has more exam-style questions on this topic, each with a mark scheme. Practice starts with a 7-day free trial; the worked examples and questions on this page are free.

More Unit 1 topics: Number