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Checking your work

A quick, targeted check catches careless mistakes that cost marks. Use the last minutes to check the questions where slips are most likely.

What is tested

  • Inverse checks in maths
  • Rereading the question
  • Checking units and format

Worked example

You find 48 × 25 = 1,200. How can you check?

  1. Use the inverse: 1,200 ÷ 25 = 48.
  2. It matches, so it is correct.

Answer: Divide back: 1,200 ÷ 25 = 48

Exam-day checklist

  • Use the inverse operation.
  • Estimate to check the size.
  • Reread what the question asks.
  • Check units and that the answer fits the story.

Common mistakes

  • Rechecking by repeating the same method.
  • Skipping the units.
  • Changing a correct answer without reason.

Try it yourself

1. You calculate 7.5 + 2.75 = 10.25. How can you check quickly?

Show answer

Estimate: 7.5 + 3 is about 10.5

The estimate is close, so it is sensible.

2. What should you check on a 'find the difference' question?

Show answer

That you subtracted the smaller from the larger

A difference is always positive.

Practise checking your work with school-style questions

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More topic guides

Ratio and proportionPercentages, fractions and decimalsAlgebra: equations and sequencesProbabilityVerbal reasoning: codesVerbal reasoning: logic and orderingNon-verbal reasoning: sequences and matricesEnglish: inference and comprehensionArithmeticNumber and place valueFractionsDecimalsProportionNumber sequencesGeometry: angles and shapesMeasurementTimeMoneyAveragesData handlingMulti-step problemsWorded problems3D shapes: volume and surface areaCoordinates and translationsSpeed, distance and timeVenn and Carroll diagramsEnglish: grammarEnglish: spellingEnglish: punctuationEnglish: vocabularyEnglish: editing and proofreadingEnglish: comprehensionEnglish: comparing two textsEnglish: paragraph ordering and cohesionEnglish: register and purposeEnglish: deductionEnglish: sentence completionEnglish: contextEnglish: word relationshipsEnglish: literary understandingEnglish: creative writingShuffled sentencesClauses: main, subordinate and relativeVerbal reasoning: analogiesVerbal reasoning: classificationVerbal reasoning: letter and word sequencesVerbal reasoning: word relationshipsVerbal reasoning: hidden wordsVerbal reasoning: compound wordsVerbal reasoning: letter patternsMove a letterInsert a letterAnagrams and word laddersLetter and symbol sumsNon-verbal reasoning: transformationsNon-verbal reasoning: rotationsNon-verbal reasoning: reflectionsNon-verbal reasoning: symmetryNon-verbal reasoning: spatial reasoningNon-verbal reasoning: analogiesNon-verbal reasoning: paper foldingNon-verbal reasoning: cube netsNon-verbal reasoning: odd one outPlans and elevations (3D views)Shape assemblyTime management in the examEliminating incorrect optionsIdentifying distractorsReading questions carefullySkipping and returning to questionsWorking under pressureHandling unfamiliar questions

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