GCSE Maths: Decimals
Perform the four operations with decimals accurately. Practise it with adaptive questions for AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Eduqas.
What you need to know
The concepts examiners test on decimals, and what each one is really asking.
Where marks get lost
The exam technique that separates a correct method from a correct answer.
- Not lining up decimal points when adding or subtracting
- Getting the decimal point in the wrong place after multiplying
- Forgetting to multiply BOTH numbers when dividing by a decimal
- Thinking 0.3 × 0.3 = 0.9 instead of 0.09
Decimals questions students ask
Is Decimals on the Foundation paper?
Yes. Decimals appears at both Foundation and Higher tier, though Higher papers take it further.
What should I know before starting Decimals?
It builds on Place value and Times tables and Long multiplication and division. If those feel shaky, practise them first — Decimals questions assume them.
What is the most common mistake in Decimals?
Not lining up decimal points when adding or subtracting.
Which exam boards cover Decimals?
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.