Functional Skills Maths Level 1 is the fourth of five maths qualifications that will help you learn maths skills for the workplace and at home. At Level 1 Maths, you’ll learn about the following maths topics: number and the number system, common measures, shape and space and, information and data.
Maths Level 1 – using numbers and the number system – whole numbers, fractions, decimals and percentages
You’ll learn about whole numbers, fractions, decimals and percentages at level 1 maths. To successfully complete level 1 maths, you’ll need to be able to:
- Count in steps of various sizes, including negative numbers, and understand positive whole numbers up to 1,000,000.
- Order and compare whole numbers of any size, fractions, ratios and decimals.
- Recognise the effect of multiplying and dividing by the powers of 10, 100 and 1,000.
- Identify, compare and extend a range of numerical and spatial patterns, use, understand and calculate with fractions, decimals and percentages and calculate simple interest.
The specific content areas you’ll cover at level 1 maths about numbers and the number system are:.
- 1. Read, write, order and compare large numbers (up to one million).
- 2. Recognise and use positive and negative numbers.
- 3. Multiply and divide whole numbers and decimals by 10, 100, 1000.
- 4. Use multiplication facts and make connections with division facts.
- 5. Use simple formulae expressed in words for one or two-step operations.
- 6. Calculate the squares of one-digit and two-digit numbers.
- 7. Follow the order of precedence of operators.
- 8. Read, write, order and compare common fractions and mixed numbers.
- 9. Find fractions of whole number quantities or measurements.
- 10. Read, write, order and compare decimals up to three decimal places.
- 11. Add, subtract, multiply and divide decimals up to two decimal places.
- 12. Approximate by rounding to a whole number or to one or two decimal places.
- 13. Read, write, order and compare percentages in whole numbers.
- 14. Calculate percentages of quantities, including simple percentage increases and decreases by 5% and multiples thereof.
- 15. Estimate answers to calculations using fractions and decimals.
- 16. Recognise and calculate equivalences between common fractions, percentages and decimals.
- 17. Work with simple ratio and direct proportions.
Maths Level 1 – using common measures, shape and space
At level 1 maths, you’ll learn the following maths skills when working with measures, shape and space.
- Work out simple relationships between common units of measurement to define quantities, also involving mathematical terms for position and direction.
- Apply and use calculations with common measures including money, time, length, weight and capacity.
- Visualise, draw and describe 2-D and 3-D shapes and use properties of 2-D shapes in calculations.
- 18. Calculate simple interest in multiples of 5% on amounts of money.
- 19. Calculate discounts in multiples of 5% on amounts of money.
- 20. Convert between units of length, weight, capacity, money and time, in the same system.
- 21. Recognise and make use of simple scales on maps and drawings.
- 22. Calculate the area and perimeter of simple shapes including those that are made up of a combination of rectangles.
- 23. Calculate the volumes of cubes and cuboids.
- 24. Draw 2-D shapes and demonstrate an understanding of line symmetry and knowledge of the relative size of angles.
- 25. Interpret plans, elevations and nets of simple 3-D shapes.
- 26. Use angles when describing position and direction, and measure angles in degrees.
Maths Level 1 – handling information and data
You’ll learn about handling information and data at maths level 1. At level 1, you’ll learn how to:
- Select, construct and interpret a range of statistical diagrams in various contexts; select and use methods and forms to present and describe outcomes.
- Extract and interpret information from tables, diagrams, charts and graphs.
- Apply simple statistics and recognise features of charts to summarise and compare sets of data.
- Recognise and use the probability scale and interpret probabilities.
- 27. Represent discrete data in tables, diagrams and charts including pie charts, bar charts and line graphs.
- 28. Group discrete data and represent grouped data graphically.
- 29. Find the mean and range of a set of quantities.
- 30. Understand probability on a scale from 0 (impossible) to 1 (certain) and use probabilities to compare the likelihood of events.
- 31. Use equally likely outcomes to find the probabilities of simple events and express them as fractions.
Maths Level 1 – solving mathematical problems and decision making
During your Functional Skills Maths Level 1 course, you’ll learn how to confidently complete the following:
- Read, understand and use mathematical information and mathematical terms used at this level.
- Address individual problems as described above.
- Use knowledge and understanding to a required level of accuracy.
- Analyse and interpret answers in the context of the original problem.
- Check the sense, and reasonableness, of answers.
- Present results with appropriate explanation and interpretation demonstrating simple reasoning to support the process and show consistency with the evidence presented.
Where can I learn Functional Skills Maths Level 1?
To find level 1 maths courses near you, use the National Careers Service Course Finder. Organisations that offer free maths level 1 courses for adults include:
- Further education colleges
- Adult education centres
- Some libraries
- Other training providers