Functional Skills Maths: Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Adult Learners (Entry 1 to Level 2)

Clear, practical guide to Functional Skills Maths (Entry levels to Level 2). Contains topics, step-by-step methods, worked examples, exam tips and a 6-week practice plan to build confidence.

What is Functional Skills Maths?

Functional Skills Maths is a practical qualification that shows you can use maths in everyday life, work and study. It’s available at Entry 1–3 and Level 1–2. This guide gives a clear, step-by-step approach to the main topics, problem-solving strategies, worked examples and a short practice plan.

Overview of levels

  • Entry Levels 1–3: Basic number work, simple measures, basic handling of data and straightforward problem solving.
  • Level 1: More confident use of number, fractions, percentages, basic ratio, simple algebra and measures, reading and interpreting data.
  • Level 2: Secure with number operations (including negative numbers), fractions, decimals and percentages, ratio and proportion, more advanced algebra, geometry and statistics, and applying maths to real-world problems.

Core topic areas

  1. Number: Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, factors and multiples, powers and roots, negative numbers.
  2. Fractions, decimals and percentages: Conversions, calculations, percentage change, percentage of amounts.
  3. Ratio and proportion: Sharing in a given ratio, scaling up and down, direct proportion problems.
  4. Algebra (basic): Simple equations, using formulae, sequences, rearranging simple formulae.
  5. Measure, shape and space: Perimeter, area, volume, units, angles, and basic properties of shapes.
  6. Handling data and statistics: Collecting data, averages (mean, median, mode), range, interpreting charts and tables.

Step-by-step problem-solving approach

  1. Read carefully: Identify exactly what is asked. Underline key numbers and units.
  2. Choose the maths: Decide which operation or formula applies.
  3. Plan: Do you need to convert units, break the problem into parts, or draw a diagram/table?
  4. Calculate: Work through the steps clearly, showing workings where required.
  5. Check: Check units, estimate to see if the answer is sensible, and re-read the question to ensure you answered what was asked.

Worked examples (step-by-step)

1) Percentage of an amount (Level 1–2)

Question: Find 15% of £240.

  1. 15% = 15/100 = 0.15
  2. Multiply: 240 × 0.15 = 36
  3. Answer: £36.
  4. Check: 10% of 240 is 24, 5% is 12, 24+12 = 36 — makes sense.

2) Ratio (Level 2)

Question: Split £250 into a ratio of 3:2.

  1. Add ratio parts: 3 + 2 = 5 parts.
  2. Value of one part: 250 ÷ 5 = 50.
  3. So 3 parts = 3×50 = £150; 2 parts = 2×50 = £100.
  4. Answer: £150 and £100.

3) Simple algebra (Level 1)

Question: Solve 3x + 5 = 20.

  1. Subtract 5: 3x = 15.
  2. Divide by 3: x = 5.
  3. Answer: x = 5. Check: 3×5+5=20.

4) Mean, median, mode and range (Handling data)

Given data: 3, 7, 7, 10, 12

  • Mean = (3+7+7+10+12)/5 = 39/5 = 7.8
  • Median = middle value (3rd) = 7
  • Mode = most frequent = 7
  • Range = max − min = 12 − 3 = 9

Exam tips and calculator use

  • Show workings: Even if you use a calculator, show steps where you can — it can earn method marks.
  • Use rough estimates to check answers quickly.
  • Write units (cm, m, £, etc.). Missing units may lose marks in context questions.
  • Calculators: Allowed in most Functional Skills assessments. Know how to use percentage, fraction and memory functions efficiently.
  • Time management: Read all questions first, start with ones you know, then return to harder questions.

Common pitfalls

  • Not converting units (e.g., mm to m) before calculating area/volume.
  • Mixing fractions and decimals without converting them to the same form.
  • Forgetting to check whether the question asks for an exact answer, a rounded answer, or a written explanation.

6-week practice plan (flexible)

  1. Week 1: Number basics — addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and rounding.
  2. Week 2: Fractions, decimals and percentages — conversions and calculations.
  3. Week 3: Ratio, proportion and basic algebra — solving simple equations and formulae.
  4. Week 4: Measure, shape and space — area, perimeter, volume, unit conversions.
  5. Week 5: Handling data — averages, range, reading charts/tables, and problem interpretation.
  6. Week 6: Mixed practice and past papers — timed practice, exam technique, and revision of weak topics.

Resources

  • Past Functional Skills papers from awarding bodies (practice under timed conditions).
  • BBC Bitesize Functional Skills — topic summaries and short practice questions.
  • Workbooks for Entry–Level and Level 2 Functional Skills with worked answers.
  • Calculator practice: learn memory and percentage functions on your model.

Final advice

Practice regularly with short, focused sessions (30–60 minutes). When you make mistakes, work through them step-by-step and make a short note of the method so you don’t repeat the same error. Build confidence by mastering the basics first — that makes the more complex problems much easier to solve.

If you want, tell me your current level or give an example question you find hard and I’ll give a focused explanation and practice questions for you.

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