So, you've decided to spend some valuable time practising for the SATs arithmetic paper.

Throughout your education, you will have been taught how to complete some maths calculations mentally.

For example: by learning your times tables and the related division facts you will have gained essential mental maths skills that will help you to solve all kinds of maths problems!

In the SATS arithmetic paper, you are allowed to write down your working out but if you can, use mental maths skills to answer some of the questions. This will speed you up and give you a better chance of completing the entire paper.

The arithmetic paper is only 30 minutes long and there are usually around 36 questions so efficiency is key!

The more you practise these quick-thinking problem skills, the easier you will find arithmetic.

Example 1:

6002 + ? = 6128

Use the inverse of addition (subtraction) to help you solve this one.

6128 - 6002 = 126

Now check:

6002 + 126 = 6128

Example 2:

97.7 + 0.1 = ?

When working out this one, just focus on the tenths place.

0.7 + 0.1 = 0.8

Now, add these tenths back onto 97

97 + 0.8 = 97.8

Over to you now to try a mixture of quick-fire arithmetic questions!