top of page
This topic covers the four operations — addition, subtraction, multiplication and division — with integers and decimals using accurate written methods. It's a core topic in GCSE and iGCSE Maths with Edexcel and the other major boards. This free interactive eClassroom course walks through each step with worked examples and instant-feedback questions, so you can practise until it's secure.
How you do it
Set out column addition and subtraction with the place values lined up, carrying or borrowing as needed. For long multiplication, multiply by each digit in turn and shift a place left each time. For division, use short or bus-stop division and carry remainders into the next digit.
Before you start
Check place value and times tables first if this feels hard. This is a Foundation and Higher tier topic. It carries straight through to almost every other topic on the course.
What you learn
The four operations — add, subtract, multiply, divide — underpin every Number question. This lesson sharpens the written methods so you stay accurate without a calculator. For long multiplication, multiply by each digit in turn, shifting one place left each row, then add the rows. Short division (‘bus stop’) works left to right, carrying remainders to the next digit. The course works through adding and subtracting, multiplying and dividing. Every section has instant-feedback practice questions matched to Edexcel iGCSE 4MA1 and the other major GCSE boards, and the course finishes with full exam-style questions you mark yourself.
Related Topics
Four Operations is part of the Number strand of our free GCSE maths courses, studied in Foundation tier. The course is built from 3 concept sections, 2 worked examples and 3 check points before the exam-style set. Students often pair it with Fractional & Negative Indices, Fractions & Exact Calculation, Indices and Order of Operations. Endless extra practice on this strand is available on the Number revision engine, which generates a fresh question each time.
Still need help with a topic?
bottom of page