GCSE Edexcel — Tricky Practice Paper
10 Questions (mixed Foundation / Higher). Write your answers on a separate sheet. Full step-by-step
solutions are at the back of this PDF.
Questions
1. Algebra — Hidden Quadratic
A sequence is defined by u_n = n^2 + 3n − 4. Find the difference between the 15th and
14th terms.
2. Ratio & Fractions — Multi-step
A drink is made by mixing water : syrup in the ratio 7 : 3. Amira makes 1.2 litres of the
drink. How much syrup does she use?
3. Cumulative Frequency — Trap Question
You are told:
Height (cm) | Frequency
140–150 | 4
150–160 | 18
160–170 | 32
170–180 | 20
Estimate the median height. (Use interpolation where necessary.)
4. Probability — Dependent Events
A bag contains 5 red, 3 blue, and 2 green counters. Two counters are taken out without
replacement. Find the probability that both counters are red or both are blue.
5. Reverse Percentages — Classic Trap
After a 12% increase, the price of a laptop becomes £896. What was the original price?
6. Circle Theorems — Sneaky
, Two chords meet at a point inside a circle. One chord is split into lengths 4 cm and 7 cm,
and the other into 3 cm and x cm. Find x.
7. Pythagoras & Similar Triangles Combined
A large triangle is similar to a small one by a scale factor of 1.5. The hypotenuse of the
small triangle is 8 cm. The other two sides of the big triangle are 9 cm and 12 cm. Find
the length of the hypotenuse of the big triangle.
8. Standard Form — Mixed Operations
Evaluate (2.4 × 10^5) × (3.5 × 10^−3). Give your answer in standard form.
9. Index Laws — Fractional & Negative
Simplify: (9x^(−3) y^4) / (3x^2 y^(−1)).
10. Trigonometry — Reverse & Rounding Trap
A right-angled triangle has hypotenuse 15 cm. The opposite side to angle θ is 8.9 cm.
Find the size of angle θ, correct to 1 decimal place.
10 Questions (mixed Foundation / Higher). Write your answers on a separate sheet. Full step-by-step
solutions are at the back of this PDF.
Questions
1. Algebra — Hidden Quadratic
A sequence is defined by u_n = n^2 + 3n − 4. Find the difference between the 15th and
14th terms.
2. Ratio & Fractions — Multi-step
A drink is made by mixing water : syrup in the ratio 7 : 3. Amira makes 1.2 litres of the
drink. How much syrup does she use?
3. Cumulative Frequency — Trap Question
You are told:
Height (cm) | Frequency
140–150 | 4
150–160 | 18
160–170 | 32
170–180 | 20
Estimate the median height. (Use interpolation where necessary.)
4. Probability — Dependent Events
A bag contains 5 red, 3 blue, and 2 green counters. Two counters are taken out without
replacement. Find the probability that both counters are red or both are blue.
5. Reverse Percentages — Classic Trap
After a 12% increase, the price of a laptop becomes £896. What was the original price?
6. Circle Theorems — Sneaky
, Two chords meet at a point inside a circle. One chord is split into lengths 4 cm and 7 cm,
and the other into 3 cm and x cm. Find x.
7. Pythagoras & Similar Triangles Combined
A large triangle is similar to a small one by a scale factor of 1.5. The hypotenuse of the
small triangle is 8 cm. The other two sides of the big triangle are 9 cm and 12 cm. Find
the length of the hypotenuse of the big triangle.
8. Standard Form — Mixed Operations
Evaluate (2.4 × 10^5) × (3.5 × 10^−3). Give your answer in standard form.
9. Index Laws — Fractional & Negative
Simplify: (9x^(−3) y^4) / (3x^2 y^(−1)).
10. Trigonometry — Reverse & Rounding Trap
A right-angled triangle has hypotenuse 15 cm. The opposite side to angle θ is 8.9 cm.
Find the size of angle θ, correct to 1 decimal place.
