Functional Skills
Level 1 Maths revision
May 2011. Kindly contributed by Charlotte Gustar, Northampton College.
Search for Charlotte on www.skillsworkshop.org
This PPT refers to City and Guilds Functional Skills assessment but most
aspects are applicable to all awarding bodies.
One of a set of three. Equivalent PPTs for L1 Functional English and L1
Functional ICT are also available.
Curriculum links
This PPT covers many aspects of Level 1 Functional Maths. Please refer to the resource
description page on skillsworkshop.org for detailed curriculum links and related resources.
Functional Skills Maths
Domestics

Please ensure all bags are kept
under the table and walkways
are kept clear

Please keep all food and drink
away

Please keep mp3 players &
mobile phones switched off
What do you see?
What do you know?

Today’s lesson will be revision for
your maths exam.

Look at the following maths
symbols and words, explain what
they are, and give an example.

You have 5 minutes!
Maths
Definition and / or example
−
Minus
take one number from another e.g. 21-2= 19
or to show a negative number e.g. -4°C
÷
Divide
work out how many times one number fits
into another e.g. 8÷2=4
×
Multiply times two numbers together e.g. 6x4=24
⅓
One third. A fraction N/D Numerator & Denominator
Part of a whole.
∙
Decimal point. Marks the boundary between whole
numbers and part numbers. Part of a whole. E.g. 0.5
%
Percentage. A fraction out of 100. Part of a whole
E.g. 50% = 0.5 = 1/2
>
Greater than
E.g. 24 > 22
<
Less than
E.g. 22 < 24
mean
Average = add all the numbers together and divide by
how many
Maths
Definition and / or example
−
Minus
take one number from another e.g. 21-2= 19
or to show a negative number e.g. -4°C
÷
Divide
work out how many times one number fits
into another e.g. 8÷2=4
×
Multiply times two numbers together e.g. 6x4=24
⅓
One third. A fraction N/D Numerator & Denominator
Part of a whole.
∙
Decimal point. Marks the boundary between whole
numbers and part numbers. Part of a whole. E.g. 0.5
%
Percentage. A fraction out of 100. Part of a whole
E.g. 50% = 0.5 = 1/2
>
Greater than
E.g. 24 > 22
<
Less than
E.g. 22 < 24
mean
Average = add all the numbers together and divide by
how many
Quick fire round






What is 1444 – 965?
Round 2512 to the nearest 1000.
What is the mean of these numbers?
21 21 104 64
8
22
and the range? (Level 2: mode and median)
Which of the following fractions are equivalent
to 1 ?
6
6
9
2
12
3
18
8
16
5
30
12
28
Quick fire round
What is 1444 – 965?
479
 Round 2512 to the nearest 1000.
3000
 The mean and range (Level 2 - mode and median) of
these numbers:
21
21
104
64
8
22
mean = 40, range = 96, mode = 21, median = 21.5
 Which of the following fractions are equivalent to
1
6
6 2
3
8
5
12
9 12 18
16
30
28

Top tips for the exam

The next couple of slides show
common errors made in
Functional Maths exams.
Be sure not to fall into the same
trap!

Make revision notes to help you!
Common error 1:

Many students do not use a
calculator

Impact = inaccurate work = wrong
answer

Remedy = use a calculator!
Common error 2



Many do not set their work out
systematically. This leads to
difficulties in sequencing steps.
Impact = wrong answers = dropped
marks
Remedy = answer questions in
the set order. Be sure to look for
links between questions.
Common error 3




Students do not use a ruler or label
diagrams
Impact = dropped marks
Remedy = use a ruler to draw lines
on squared paper. Neatness can be
an issue in some cases.
Label diagrams in full.
Common error 4

Candidates often not familiar with
mean, median, mode and range.

Impact = Wrong answer

Remedy = know which one to
use
Averages
Mode
= the most common number
 Median
= the middle value

Range
=how far from biggest to smallest.
 Mean
= total of the numbers divided by
how many numbers.

Common error 4

When asked to check answers, students
write: “checked with a calculator”

Impact = Wrong answer = no marks

Remedy = step by step sequencing to
show the process is important.
Make sure you physically write out any
checks you do.
Level 1 Assessment Guidance Notes



Is it true that the assessment
is in two parts?
NO.
The exam will take part in one
session. It will last for 1 hour 30
minutes
What should I have with me
for the exam?
The exam invigilator will provide the following:

the source documents
 a pencil and eraser
 a 30cm ruler
 graph paper
Note
 You may use a calculator
 You may use a protractor
 You may use a dictionary
You will need to bring:
 College I.D
 a pen with black or blue ink
How long before results are
issued?

Results slips and certificates will
be issued to centres within 42
working days.
General instructions
There are 3 tasks to complete.
• Show your working out.
• Check your calculations.
• Remember to put units on your answers.
• Write all working out and answers in the
answer booklet not on the source
documents.
• There are additional pages at the back of
this booklet if you run out of space.
Any questions?
Now use your task sheet
(not included with this PPT)




The sheet outlines all the steps
necessary to complete the task
It incorporates all aspects of
skills learnt over the past weeks
Try to be as independent in the
task as possible – but staff are
here to help you if you need it
You have 20 minutes...
Task sheet 2 Mirror tiles
(not included with this PPT)
There are 15 marks available for
this task.
Overview of task
 You want a new mirror made up of
mirror tiles for your bathroom.
 You have to work out how many tiles
to buy and the total cost of the tiles.
 You have up to £75 to spend.
 Use the handouts provided to
complete your answers.
