Find a fraction of an amount by dividing by the denominator and multiplying by the numerator.
Curriculum path: GCSE Maths > Edexcel > Number > Fractions > Fractions of amounts
Pearson Edexcel GCSE Maths number: calculate exactly with fractions and use fractions of quantities.
Keep the method short, then practise straight away. This note is written for GCSE Maths Edexcel students who need clear working and reliable method marks.
The word of usually means multiply in maths. For Foundation GCSE, it is often easier to do this in two steps.
For 1 / 5 of an amount, divide the amount by 5.
For 3 / 5 of an amount, first find 1 / 5, then multiply by 3.
The denominator tells you how many equal parts the amount is split into.
The numerator tells you how many of those parts you need.
If the numerator is 1, you only need to divide by the denominator.
Find 1 / 4 of 60.
Answer: 15
Find 3 / 5 of 80.
Answer: 48
A student spends 2 / 3 of 45 pounds. How much do they spend?
Answer: 30 pounds
Try these before moving to the exam-style questions.
These are original GCSE-style questions with mark schemes, common wrong answers, and AI marking guidance so feedback stays close to exam expectations.
Reading the method helps, but the progress comes from answering, marking, and fixing one question at a time.