S**t got my maths (blush) GCSE exam tomorrow and I still don't get it!!! Could you brainboxes please try and help some basics stick in my head today pleaseeeeeee

[MegSophandEmma]

Yes I went back to basics after being a naughty wee shite at school and started my GCSE's again. I have had hugggge problems with maths again this time round and I still get in a fuddle with things like fractions decimals and the dreaded algebra!! Amoungst other bits and bobs.

I have been told that if I fail I can do it again next year so have been all breezy with maths throughout and concentrated on my other subjects but now the exam is here I really want to pass!!!!!

So firstly How the heck to you convert fractions into decimals pleaseeee?

Please be patient if I don't resond straight away. Am doing this as well as trying to entertain my 3 girls Arghhhhhhh

Do you want to know with a calculator or without?

Respond* Looks like my English needs abit of work too lol

Tomorrows paper is non calculator. So probably best without please??

have a look at bitesize
it is for ks3 but may be of help

have a look here
I have ds1 desperate to go on the laptop but will be back in a bit

Popsy thanks for that never thought to look at the younger years maths pages. Always looked at the GCSE level on bitesize. Where I have been still as confused as in lessons. Thanks!!

let nme know if you need further explanation or stuff about any other topics.....

WIll check back in a bit.

I think once you have cracked the issue of tenths and hundredths columns in decimals, converting them to fractions becomes more clear

so 0.3 - the digit 3 is worth 3 tenths - so 3/10

0.8 - the 8 is worth 8/10 which you can reduce by dividing the numerator and denominator by 2 to get an equivalent fraction of 4/5. Does that make sense?

Think of a fraction as two numbers with a divide in between

so 1/2 is the same as one divided by two 0r 1 &divid; 2 = 0.5

does that help?

with algebra think of a set of kitchen scales (you know the balance sort with weights)

take 1+2=3 as an example

you could get a+2=3 what is a

here you must do the same to the left as to the right so the scales balance (the = is the balance) - you need to get a on its own so you can see what it equals

so to find a you would get rid of the 2 so do the sum

a+2-2=3-2 (so you remove 2 from each side of the scales)

a=1

this is a really simple example I know but follow the priciple for harder sums.....

fractions into decimals

To 'fix' it into your head, do lots of worked examples. Don't work for more than 30 minutes at a time

Thanks for helping

I don't know what it is I see equations and my mind just boggles. Have just been doing th KS3 test and still getting loads wrong!! Its just can't sink in With algbra its the sums where you have to transefer the numbers over I get stuck on. We only did them in revision on Thursady and I was ok in class but its all gone again. I want a brain like a sponge!!!!

How did it go MegSophandEmma?

Awww PPD thanks for asking

Yeh I think it was ok. I revised all the wrong things pmsl but I think I did ok. I am loving exams at the moment Its gives such an adrenalin rush (weirdo I know)lol

I have this thing about laughing with nerves just before though lolol

Glad it went well, long division is evil.