Bredhurst Receiving and Transmitting Society

Advanced Radio Amateur Examination

maths...

"whole" numbers

All maths is based upon addition - subtraction - multiplication and division. If "whole" numbers are used eg 1 2 3 4 100 1000 123560 etc then it is expected that you have no problem especially if using a "simple" calculator to help you check your answers.

It is hoped that you are not falling asleep by now as there are some easy marks to be obtained by attempting the maths questions amongst some of the more difficult questions where interpretation and manipulation of formulae is needed.

"fractions" numbers

As well as whole number that are what are called fractions quarter, half, two thirds or as written 1/4 1/2 2/3.

Now 1/4 actually means 1 divided by 4, in the same way 2/3 means 2 divided by 3. The simple calculator finds it difficult if not for the most part impossible to display these "fraction" numbers.

The calculator therefore works out the 1 divided by 4 and displays the answer as a "decimal" number.

But what happens if we have to divide one by a number smaller than one ??

The result is LARGER than the original number

"decimal" number

The "decimal" number is not a difficult concept to understand. Find yourself a simple calculator one the has addition - subtraction - multiplication and division - you do not need any more at this stage but if you need to buy one then take a look at our link on buying a calculator.

If you switch the calculator on and key in 1 then divide then 2 the answer displayed will be 0.5

Try the other examples :-

1 divided by 4 and you will get 0.25

2 divided by 3 and then answer is 0.666666666666 and the 6 is called recurring as it goes on for ever.

Usually we will work to only 2 "decimal places" (the number of figures after the decimal point) so the answer would be 0.67 and not 0.66 as we look at the third figure after the decimal point and if that is 5 or greater the second figure after the decimal point is rounded up to the next figure higher in this case 7 --- NOTE the 0 (zero) before the decimal point (.) of 0.66 This zero and the decimal point should not be omitted else the number could too easily be mistaken for 66 !!

Conclusion

The maths for the course can be easy if taken at the pace that you want to move and that you must learn the processes of how the maths is done.

Questions to assess your maths level

So that you are not going to be reading items that you already know run through these questions if you have any doubt as to the answers the click onto the explanation page.

Q1. What is the result of 1/2 x 3/4 x 5/8 ??Check here

Q2. What is the result of 3/4 divided by 1/2 ??Check here

Q3. What is the result of 2/3 + 2/3 ??Check here

Q4. What is the result of 2/3 - 1/2 ??Check here

So what is next ??

Ok so you have reached this far and you are now ready to move to the next section.

Click here