The Ultimate 11+ Maths Topic Guide
Master all essential 11+ Maths topics with frequency analysis, expert strategies, and AI-powered practice. Discover which topics appear most frequently and how to maximize your score.
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11+ Maths Topic Frequency Analysis
The 11+ Maths exam tests students on Key Stage 2 mathematics curriculum, with some topics appearing more frequently than others. Understanding topic frequency helps prioritize your study time effectively. Based on analysis of over 100 past papers, here's the complete breakdown:
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| Topic Category | Frequency | Subtopics |
|---|---|---|
| Numbers & Operations | 25% | Prime numbers Negative numbers Square & cube numbers Roman numerals Basic operations |
| Problem Solving & Algebra | 20% | Patterns & sequences Linear equations Word problems Algebraic expressions |
| Geometry | 20% | Angles & symmetry Area & perimeter 3D shapes Transformations Circle properties |
| Fractions, Decimals & Percentages | 15% | Conversions Operations Ratio problems Percentage calculations |
| Measurements | 10% | Unit conversions Time calculations Weight & mass Scales & measurements |
| Data Handling | 10% | Graphs & charts Probability Averages Data interpretation |
Category 1: Numbers & Operations (25%)
This highest-frequency category forms the foundation of 11+ Maths. Students must master numerical concepts beyond basic arithmetic.
Prime Numbers & Numerical Properties
Appearing in approximately 15% of all questions, prime numbers are a staple of 11+ Maths exams. Students must identify prime numbers, understand their properties, and apply this knowledge to factorization problems.
What is the value of (-10)³?
a) -100
b) 1000
c) -1000
d) None of the above
Answer: c) -1000
Negative Numbers & Operations
Questions involving negative numbers appear in about 10% of exams. Students must confidently perform all basic operations with negative values and understand their behavior in various contexts.
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Join the Free ChallengeCategory 2: Problem Solving & Algebra (20%)
This challenging category tests logical reasoning and algebraic thinking, often determining top-scoring students.
Patterns & Sequences
Pattern recognition questions appear in approximately 8% of exams. Students must identify numerical patterns, complete sequences, and determine the rules governing them.
Algebraic Equations
Basic algebra appears in 12% of questions, often disguised as word problems. Students should be comfortable setting up and solving linear equations with one variable.
What is the value of 'x' if 6x + 2 = 5x + 11?
a) 9
b) 12
c) 14
d) 13
Answer: a) 9
Category 3: Geometry (20%)
Spatial reasoning and geometric properties form a significant portion of the 11+ Maths exam.
Angles & Properties of Shapes
Angle calculation questions appear in approximately 7% of exams. Students must understand angle properties in polygons, parallel lines, and triangles.
Area, Perimeter & Volume
Measurement calculations account for about 8% of questions. Students need to calculate areas of compound shapes and volumes of basic 3D shapes.
What is the maximum angle in an equilateral triangle and a right-angled isosceles triangle?
a) 60 and 60 degrees
b) 30 and 90 degrees
c) 90 and 60 degrees
d) 60 and 90 degrees
Answer: d) 60 and 90 degrees
Category 4: Fractions, Decimals & Percentages (15%)
Conversions & Operations
These fundamental skills appear in approximately 10% of questions. Students must fluently convert between fractions, decimals, and percentages while performing operations.
Ratio & Proportion
Ratio problems account for 5% of exam questions. Students should master dividing quantities in given ratios and solving proportion problems.
Category 5: Measurements (10%)
Unit Conversions
Measurement conversion questions appear in about 4% of exams. Students must convert between metric units and understand imperial conversions.
How many metres are there in 10 kilometres?
a) 100
b) 10
c) 1,000
d) 10,000
Answer: d) 10,000
Category 6: Data Handling (10%)
Graphs & Data Interpretation
Data interpretation questions appear in approximately 6% of exams. Students must extract information from various graphs and charts.
Probability & Averages
Basic probability and average calculations account for 4% of questions. Students should understand simple probability concepts and calculate mean, median, and mode.
What is the median of: 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11?
a) 11
b) 6
c) 10
d) 2
Answer: b) 6
Your Path to Maths Mastery
Understanding these categories is the first step. Consistent practice with high-frequency topics builds the skills needed to solve problems quickly and accurately under exam conditions.
Practice All Maths Topics11+ Maths Exam Strategies
- Focus on high-frequency topics: Prioritize Numbers & Operations (25%) and Problem Solving (20%) which together account for nearly half the exam.
- Master mental arithmetic: The non-calculator paper requires quick calculations - practice daily for speed and accuracy.
- Learn to spot question patterns: Recognize common question formats for each topic to solve problems faster.
- Time management: Allocate time based on question weight - spend no more than 1 minute per mark.
- Show your working: Even with incorrect answers, method marks can account for up to 40% of your score.
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11+ Maths FAQs
Get answers to common questions about 11+ Maths preparation
Numbers & Operations (25%) and Problem Solving & Algebra (20%) are the highest-frequency topics. Geometry (20%) and Fractions/Percentages (15%) also form significant portions of the exam. Focusing on these areas first provides the best return on study time.
Allocate study time proportional to topic frequency: 25% on Numbers, 20% on Problem Solving/Algebra, 20% on Geometry, 15% on Fractions/Percentages, and the remaining 20% on Measurements and Data Handling. Regular review of all topics is essential.
Practice identifying question types and applying appropriate strategies. Learn to translate word problems into mathematical equations. Regular practice with timed questions builds both skill and confidence. Our platform provides categorized problem-solving exercises with step-by-step solutions.
Most 11+ Maths exams do not permit calculators. Students must demonstrate mental arithmetic skills and written calculation methods. Focus on mastering quick, accurate computation without electronic aids.
Develop number sense through regular practice, memorize key facts (multiplication tables, square numbers), learn time-saving techniques, and take timed practice tests. Our platform's speed drills improve calculation speed by an average of 40% after 4 weeks.
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