11+ Math

11+ Math Topics: A Detailed Breakdown

ByJay

The math component of the 11 Plus tests a variety of Key Stage 2 mathematical skills and concepts. To help children and parents navigate these exam papers, we’ve broken down the key topics covered in 11+ maths exams in more detail.

We’ll provide a comprehensive guide to what 11 Plus maths questions to expect and how to prepare for these grammar and independent schools’ entrance exams.

Breakdown of 11 Plus Math Topics

11+ Math Topics: A Detailed Breakdown

Check your child’s understanding or help your child master 11+ maths with these key math topics taught in most schools.

Number and Place Value

At the heart of 11 Plus maths is a solid understanding of numbers and their values. Children need to be adept at reading, writing, ordering, and comparing number and word problems up to a million. 

Maths Questions Key Skills:

  • Recognising the value of digits in large numbers
  • Rounding numbers to the nearest ten, hundred, thousand, etc.
  • Working with negative numbers in different scenarios
  • Solving number patterns and sequences

Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division

Basic arithmetic forms the foundation of math proficiency. The 11 Plus maths requires a child to perform complex calculations with large numbers and fractions, both mentally and on paper.

Maths Questions Key Skills:

  • Performing multi-digit addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
  • Solving word problems that involve these operations
  • Applying the correct order of operations (BIDMAS/BODMAS)

Fractions, Decimals, and Percentages

Understanding how to work with basic fractions, decimals, and percentages is crucial in the 11 Plus maths. 

Maths Questions Key Skills:

  • Converting between fractions, decimals, and percentages
  • Adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions and decimals
  • Solving problems involving percentages, such as percentage increase and decrease

Ratio and Proportion

Children need to grasp the concepts of ratio and proportion, which are essential for solving various types of 11 Plus maths problems.

Maths Questions Key Skills:

  • Simplifying ratios
  • Solving problems involving direct and inverse proportion
  • Understanding and applying scale factors

Algebra

Algebra 11+ maths topics introduce a child to the use of symbols and letters to represent numbers and express mathematical relationships. 

Maths Questions Key Skills:

  • Simplifying and evaluating algebraic expressions
  • Solving linear equations
  • Identifying and continuing sequences

Measurement

11+ maths topics on measurement are essential, particularly when it comes to understanding and converting between different units of measure.

Maths Questions Key Skills:

  • Converting between units (e.g., centimetres to metres, grams to kilograms)
  • Calculating the area and perimeter of various shapes
  • Solving real-life problems involving measurements

Geometry

A strong grasp of geometric concepts is necessary for the 11 Plus maths.

Maths Questions Key Skills:

  • Recognising different types of angles and calculating their measures
  • Identifying properties of 2D and 3D shapes
  • Using coordinates to plot points and describe positions

Statistics

11+ maths topics on Statistics involve collecting, analysing, and interpreting data.     

Maths Questions Key Skills:

  • Interpreting bar charts, line graphs, and pie charts
  • Calculating mean, median, mode, and range
  • Solving problems based on data sets

How to Improve Maths for 11 Plus

Improving 11 Plus maths questions skills involves a combination of strategic study habits and consistent practice. Here are some key tips:

Understand the Syllabus

Familiarise yourself with the topics covered in the 11 Plus maths syllabus, including number patterns and place value, basic operation and word problems, decimals, fractions, percentages, measurement, ratio and proportion, geometry, basic algebra, and data handling.

The CEM Numerical Reasoning exam is a multiple-choice. Also, a standard paper from an independent school may vary greatly from grammar schools.     

Regular Practice

Daily practice is crucial. Use 11 Plus math practice papers, workbooks, and online resources to reinforce concepts and improve calculation speed.

Mock Tests: Take regular timed mock tests to simulate test conditions and identify 11+ maths topics needing improvement. This will also help review wrong answers.

Use Educational Tools: Utilise educational apps and online platforms that offer interactive exercises and tutorials for 11 Plus maths questions. 

Seek Help: Consider hiring a tutor or joining a study group for additional support and motivation.

Master the 11 Plus

A unique, confidence-boosting way to study for the 11 Plus

Frequently Asked Questions

Year 11 students should have a solid grasp of 11+ maths topics, including number patterns, word problems, fractions, algebra, percentages, decimals, and ratio and proportion concepts.

They should also be proficient in solving quadratic equations, working with functions, learning coordinate geometry, and analysing data.

Calculators are generally not allowed in the 11 Plus maths. The test is designed to assess students’ mental arithmetic and problem-solving skills with maths questions without the aid of electronic devices.

Help your child gain a solid understanding and techniques for solving number patterns, word problems, times tables, algebra, surface area, fractions, percentages, decimals, ratio and proportion problems, and more.

The difficulty of the 11 Plus varies by individual, but it is generally considered challenging due to its competitive nature and comprehensive coverage of topics.

Students preparing for the 11 Plus need practice and familiarity with the format to significantly ease the difficulty.