P1Paper 1: Arithmetic

SATs Arithmetic Practice

Master the calculation skills needed for Paper 1. 30 minutes, 40 marks, pure number work with no word problems.

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About Paper 1: Arithmetic

The arithmetic paper tests fluency with calculations. Questions are presented in context-free format, testing pure number skills without word problems or reasoning.

30
Minutes
40
Marks
36
Questions (approx.)

💡 Top Tip for Paper 1

Questions generally increase in difficulty. Complete the easier ones quickly to bank marks, but don't spend too long on the harder questions at the end – they're worth the same marks!

Question Types

Addition

Column addition, bridging, partitioning

Subtraction

Column subtraction, counting on, decomposition

Multiplication

Times tables, grid method, formal written

Division

Short division, bus stop method, remainders

Fractions

Equivalent, operations, converting

Decimals

Place value, addition, subtraction, multiplication

Percentages

Finding percentages, percentage of amount

Order of Operations

BIDMAS, brackets, multiple operations

How to Succeed in Arithmetic

Build Fluency

  • • Know times tables instantly (not just recite)
  • • Practice mental strategies daily
  • • Work on fraction-decimal-percentage conversions
  • • Master column methods for all operations

Exam Technique

  • • Show working clearly in the space provided
  • • Check answers with inverse operations
  • • Don't get stuck – move on and come back
  • • Watch for common errors (wrong place value)

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