By Lockin Team
5 January 2026
PSLE maths can feel like a big step-up, not because the topics are completely new, but because the exams test accuracy, speed and problem-solving all at once. Many students may know the concepts, but still lose marks from misreading questions, choosing the wrong method, or making careless mistakes under time pressure. This guide breaks down what to expect in PSLE Mathematics and how to prepare in a clear, manageable way.
1. What to expect in PSLE Math
(A) A mix of basic skills and application
PSLE Math checks two things:
i. Fundamentals (fractions, percentages, units, operations)
ii. Application (multi-step problem sums that require planning)
Students who are strong in basics but weaker in application often find PSLE problem sums challenging—so preparation needs to cover both.
(B) Multi-step questions are common
Many PSLE questions are designed so that you can’t jump straight to the answer. You may need to:
compare before/after changes
interpret diagrams/tables
combine two topics (e.g., fraction + ratio, percentage + speed)
That’s why practising “thinking steps” is just as important as practising calculations.
C) Time pressure matters
Even if a student understands everything, they must do it within the exam timing.
This is where students lose marks:
rushing and skipping checks
copying numbers wrongly
leaving questions blank because they got stuck too long
2) What PSLE Math Examiners Are Really Testing
To score well, students need more than correct answers. They need the habits of a good problem-solver:
✅ Strong foundations
Fast, accurate basics reduce stress and free the brain for harder questions.
✅ Method selection
PSLE rewards students who can choose the right approach quickly, such as:
model drawing, unitary method, before-after method, working backwards, ratio/proportion thinking, patterns
✅ Clear and organised working
Clear steps help students avoid confusion and reduce careless mistakes.
✅ Checking skills
Top scorers don’t just finish, they check:
units (cm vs m, min vs h)
reasonableness (does this answer make sense?)
keywords (“remaining”, “difference”, “at least”, “altogether”)
3) Common PSLE Math Topics Students Struggle With
Here are a few “high mark-loss” areas to pay attention to:
Fractions (especially word problems and mixed operations)
Ratio (changing totals, comparing parts, combining ratio + fraction)
Percentage (increase/decrease, discounts, repeated percentage)
Speed (unit conversion + multi-step)
- Area & perimeter (composite figures, tricky units)
- Volume (visualisation + conversion)
- Average (interpreting contexts correctly)
- Whole number problem sums (multi-step logic)
If your child often says, “I don’t know which method to use,” that’s a sign they need more exposure to different question types—not more memorisation.
4) How to Prepare (A Simple, Effective Plan)
Step 1: Strengthen foundations first (Weeks 1–4)
Before doing lots of full papers, make sure basics are solid.
Focus on:
mental math speed
fractions/decimals/percentages basics
times tables and number sense
unit conversions (length, mass, time)
common formula use (area, perimeter, volume)
Simple habit: 10–15 minutes daily beats cramming once a week.
Step 2: Train problem-solving strategies (Weeks 5–10)
This is where most score improvements happen.
Use a repeatable routine for every problem sum:
The 3-step method
Underline keywords and identify what the question wants
Choose a method (model/ratio/working backwards etc.)
Check your answer (units + reasonableness)
Recommended practice:
2–3 sessions per week
5–8 problem sums per session
review mistakes immediately
The goal is to build confidence in method selection.
Step 3: Timed practice and exam technique (Weeks 11 onwards)
Once foundations and strategies are stable, begin timed work. Try:
short timed sets (15–25 minutes)
mixed-topic practice
full papers only when your child can finish most questions calmly
Important: Improvement comes from review, not just doing more questions.
After this guide, parents and children alike should be well equipped with the knowledge to be able to properly study and revise for mathematics for the PSLE. With effort, maths is a subject that is definitely learnable.
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