SQA National 5 Maths specification (X847 75)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your SQA National 5 Maths exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official SQA National 5 Maths specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official SQA National 5 Maths (X847 75) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official SQA specification PDF.
Specification overview
The National 5 Mathematics course develops operational and reasoning skills for solving mathematical and real-life problems. It aims to build confidence and promote a positive attitude towards the subject, while equipping learners with knowledge to model real-life situations, interpret data, and make informed decisions. The course fosters abstract thinking and mathematical communication, supporting progression to higher education or the workplace. Learners apply techniques in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics, and numerical analysis, while developing skills relevant to other disciplines such as science, technology, and social studies.
Subject content breakdown
Numerical skills
- Work with surds and laws of indices
- Round to significant figures
- Solve reverse percentages and appreciation/depreciation problems
- Perform operations on fractions including mixed numbers
Algebraic skills
- Expand brackets and factorise expressions
- Complete the square in quadratics
- Simplify and operate on algebraic fractions
- Determine equations of straight lines and sketch graphs
- Solve linear, simultaneous and quadratic equations
- Change the subject of formulae
- Use the quadratic formula and discriminant
Geometric skills
- Determine gradients and calculate arc length/sector area
- Calculate volume of solids (sphere, cone, pyramid)
- Apply Pythagoras’ theorem and geometric properties
- Use similarity and vector components
- Work with 2D/3D vectors and coordinates
Trigonometric skills
- Interpret and sketch trigonometric graphs
- Use trig functions, identities, and solve equations
- Calculate triangle area and apply sine/cosine rules
- Use trigonometry with bearings
Statistical skills
- Compare data sets using interquartile range and standard deviation
- Form linear models from scattergraphs
Reasoning skills
- Interpret problems and select solution strategies
- Explain and contextualise solutions
Assessment structure
Question paper 1 (non-calculator)
- 40 marks
- 1 hour duration
- Tests application of skills in numerical, algebraic, geometric, trigonometric, statistical, and reasoning areas
- Short-answer and extended-response questions
Question paper 2
- 50 marks
- 1 hour and 30 minutes duration
- Calculator allowed
- Applies same range of mathematical skills with more opportunity for application
Short-answer and extended-response questions
- Overall marks: 90
- Approx. mark distribution: 30–45% algebra, 15–35% geometry, 10–25% trigonometry, 10–25% numerical skills, 5–15% statistics
- ~65% of questions target level ‘C’ responses
- Operational and reasoning skills assessed in both papers
Key tips for success
Doing well in your SQA National 5 Maths isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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