Opening Maths Unlocked
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Opening Maths Unlocked
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GCSE MATHS REVISION
GCSE Maths calculator papers test your mathematical understanding as well as your ability to use a calculator accurately.
A calculator can save time and reduce arithmetic errors, but it cannot decide which method a question requires, interpret the context or explain your mathematical reasoning.
This guide covers the calculator skills you should practise, common mistakes to avoid and how to prepare for both Foundation and Higher calculator papers.
Updated 3 October 2026
Practise with the calculator you intend to use in your examination. Different models have different menus, displays and ways of entering calculations. Make sure you know how to access the functions you need before examination day.
Check with your school or examination centre that your calculator complies with the current examination regulations.
Check that the calculator works correctly and that its power supply is reliable.
Know how to enter fractions, powers, roots, brackets and trigonometric calculations.
Know how to check and change the calculator's angle settings, and how to interpret its display.
Follow your examination centre's instructions for clearing stored information and using any required compliant examination mode.
Follow the current examination instructions about calculator covers, cases, stored instructions and other permitted materials.
Practise these eight short skills on the calculator you plan to use. Choose the mathematics first, then check that your entry matches the question.
Brackets control which operations are carried out together. (18 + 6) ÷ 4 = 6; without the grouping, a calculator can give a different result. Tip: check the displayed expression before evaluating it.
A scientific calculator can help you work with fractions and switch between exact and decimal displays. ⅔ + ¼ = ¹¹⁄₁₂. Tip: keep an exact fraction when the question requires one; do not replace it automatically with a rounded decimal.
Use the power and root functions carefully: 7³ + √81 = 352. Tip: check which part of the expression is raised to a power or placed inside a root.
Calculators can display very large or small numbers in scientific notation. (3 × 10⁵) × (2 × 10⁻³) = 600 = 6 × 10². Tip: interpret the display, then write conventional standard form if requested.
You still need to choose the correct operation. Increase £240 by 15%: 240 × 1.15 = £276. Tip: decide whether you need a percentage of an amount, an increase, a decrease or an original value.
Sine, cosine and tangent help with the arithmetic after you choose the right method. In degree mode, 10 × sin 30° = 5. Tip: check degrees rather than radians for ordinary GCSE degree questions.
Inverse sine, cosine and tangent can find an angle from a suitable ratio. In degree mode, sin⁻¹(0.5) = 30°. Tip: use the inverse function when finding the angle, not ordinary sine.
125 ÷ 8 = ¹²⁵⁄₈ = 15.625. The appropriate final form depends on the question. Tip: check units, exact form and any requested decimal places or significant figures.
If you use a Casio ClassWiz, including the fx-991CW, practise opening the calculation menu, entering and editing expressions, switching fraction displays, using powers and roots, standard form, trigonometric and inverse trigonometric functions, and checking degree or radian settings.
Learn how your own model shows previous calculations or results if that feature is available. ClassWiz models do not all use the same menus or controls; use the instructions for your model and practise on your own calculator. Maths Unlocked's on-screen calculator has a different interface and is for learning, not use in an examination.
Check the mathematical method as well as the keys you press.
Mistake: grouping a numerator, denominator or sub-expression incorrectly. Correction: check the expression's structure on the display before calculating.
Mistake: using radians for a question in degrees. Correction: check the angle setting before trigonometric calculations.
Mistake: rounding intermediate values. Correction: retain exact values or sufficient precision until the final answer.
Mistake: misinterpreting an exponent display. Correction: write conventional standard form when the question asks for it.
Mistake: using an increase for a decrease or original-value problem. Correction: decide the method before entering the calculation.
Mistake: copying a displayed number without units, rounding or explanation. Correction: read the final instruction and present the answer in the required form.
A calculator is useful for lengthy or awkward arithmetic, but simple mental calculations may be quicker. Estimation can help you spot an incorrect entry. Identify the mathematics required before you calculate.
20% of 50 = 10. This is quick to do mentally.
37.6 × 4.85 = 182.36. A calculator helps perform the arithmetic accurately.
A rectangle has area 45 cm² and length 7.5 cm. Width = 45 ÷ 7.5 = 6 cm. First recognise the area relationship.
Yes, when the question calls for it. A calculator performs arithmetic, but many GCSE questions assess your method and final answer. On multi-mark questions, appropriate working can let an examiner follow your method and may earn method marks even if a later calculation is wrong. This does not mean every question requires written working or always offers method marks.
For example, a jacket costs £80 and is reduced by 15%. Write 80 × 0.85 = 68, then answer £68. The multiplier and calculation make the method clear.
Practise calculator use alongside the complete Foundation curriculum. Focus on choosing appropriate calculations, entering them accurately and presenting answers correctly. These examples are revision priorities, not a separate calculator-paper syllabus.
Organise practice across the Foundation course.
View Foundation RevisionCheck the complete Foundation curriculum.
View Foundation TopicsHigher students need the same calculator fluency alongside additional Higher content. Numerical calculations can be demanding, but algebraic manipulation, exact values and mathematical reasoning still matter. These are useful examples; no topic necessarily requires a calculator.
Organise practice across the Higher course.
View Higher RevisionCheck the complete Higher curriculum.
View Higher TopicsThis short calculator-familiarity check is not a full diagnostic or a substitute for Maths Unlocked practice.
Calculate (24 + 18) ÷ 7.
Calculate ¾ + ⅖. Give your answer as a fraction.
Calculate 4.8 × 10³ ÷ 6.
Calculate 12 × cos 60°, using degrees.
Increase £375 by 8%.
These timings are flexible examples. Spend longer where you need more practice.
Practise entering fractions, brackets, powers or trigonometric calculations.
Choose a mathematical topic you find difficult and revisit the method.
Attempt questions on that topic using your calculator appropriately.
Check your calculations, identify input mistakes and correct any mathematical errors.
Follow your school's or examination centre's instructions about clearing stored information, examination modes and permitted equipment. Requirements depend on the calculator and current regulations.
Use these published resources to plan your study or check which areas need attention.
Build a longer revision schedule.
View the planStrengthen your revision habits.
Read the guideSample key areas and identify possible gaps.
Take the diagnostic