IGCSE Maths: Number

Overview

Number is a fundamental topic that underpins all other areas of mathematics. It covers arithmetic operations, percentages, ratio and proportion, standard form, and bounds. Strong number skills are especially critical for the new non-calculator papers.

Core Syllabus Topics

• Fractions, decimals, percentages
• Ratio and proportion
• Standard form
• Estimation and rounding
• HCF and LCM
• Order of operations (BODMAS)

Extended Syllabus Topics

• Upper and lower bounds
• Surds (simplifying, rationalising)
• Recurring decimals to fractions
• Direct and inverse proportion
• Exponential growth and decay

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Rounding errors in multi-step calculations
• Confusing direct and inverse proportion
• Incorrect standard form notation
• Forgetting to simplify surds completely