GCSE Maths: Bounds & Error Intervals
Calculate upper and lower bounds and error intervals. Practise it with adaptive questions for AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Eduqas.
What you need to know
The concepts examiners test on bounds & error intervals, and what each one is really asking.
Where marks get lost
The exam technique that separates a correct method from a correct answer.
- Using ≤ for both bounds (upper bound uses < not ≤)
- Halving the wrong degree of accuracy
- When combining bounds: using LB for maximum or UB for minimum
- For division max: forgetting to use LB of denominator
Bounds & Error Intervals questions students ask
Is Bounds & Error Intervals on the Foundation paper?
Yes. Bounds & Error Intervals appears at both Foundation and Higher tier, though Higher papers take it further.
What should I know before starting Bounds & Error Intervals?
It builds on Rounding and Decimal places and significant figures and Inequalities. If those feel shaky, practise them first — Bounds & Error Intervals questions assume them.
What is the most common mistake in Bounds & Error Intervals?
Using ≤ for both bounds (upper bound uses < not ≤).
Which exam boards cover Bounds & Error Intervals?
All four we support — AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Eduqas. GCSE Maths subject content is set by the DfE, so the topic is common to every board; what changes is the paper structure and the grade boundaries.