CSSE Essex Style Maths Paper 3
CSSE Essex Paper 3 continues the pattern of Paper 2, combining maths with non-verbal reasoning in one timed, written-answer sitting, but places more weight on simple algebra, sequences and multi-step reasoning questions alongside the number, shape and measurement content covered earlier in the series. As with Paper 2, spotting which section a question belongs to and switching mental gears cleanly between numerical and visual reasoning is as important as the maths itself.
Before you start
Make sure you're comfortable with these topics first:
Method
- Notice whether you have moved from a maths question into a non-verbal reasoning question, or the reverse, since the switch is not always obviously marked.
- For a simple algebra question, write the equation out fully before attempting to solve it, rather than trying to solve it in your head.
- For a sequence question, check the difference or ratio between consecutive terms before assuming the rule, since CSSE-style sequences do not always simply add the same amount each time.
- For a multi-step question, write down each intermediate answer clearly labelled, so a later part of the question can reuse it correctly.
- Cover the full range of KS2 maths in your preparation, since Paper 3 can still include number, shape or measurement questions alongside the new algebra and sequence focus.
- Manage your time across the whole paper, including the non-verbal reasoning sections, rather than only the maths questions.
Worked example
A sequence begins 3, 8, 13, 18, ... (a) Find the next term. (b) Find the 10th term.
- Find the difference between consecutive terms: 8 - 3 = 5, and this stays the same throughout, so the rule is add 5 each time.
- Find the next term after 18: 18 + 5 = 23.
- Write a position-to-term rule: since the first term is 3 and each new term adds 5, the rule is 5 x term number, then subtract 2, checked as 5 x 1 - 2 = 3, which is correct.
- Substitute the 10th term number into the rule: 5 x 10 - 2.
- 5 x 10 - 2 = 50 - 2 = 48, so the 10th term is 48.
Practice questions
Type your answer and press Check to be marked straight away, or reveal the answer and mark yourself.
Q1Solve: 2n + 9 = 21.Show answer
Answer: n = 6 (2n = 12).
Q2A sequence begins 50, 44, 38, 32, ... Find the next term.Show answer
Answer: 26 (subtract 6 each time).
Q3Solve: 4x - 5 = 19.Show answer
Answer: x = 6 (4x = 24).
Q4A sequence has the rule 'multiply by 2, then add 1', starting at 3. Find the 2nd, 3rd and 4th terms.Show answer
Answer: 7, 15, 31 (3 x 2 + 1 = 7; 7 x 2 + 1 = 15; 15 x 2 + 1 = 31).
Q5Solve: n/3 + 4 = 10.Show answer
Answer: n = 18 (n/3 = 6, n = 18).
Q6A sequence begins 200, 190, 180, ... Find the 8th term.Show answer
Answer: 130 (term n = 200 - 10 x (n - 1); term 8 = 200 - 70 = 130).
Exam-style questions
Written in the style of a 11+ exam paper, with a full mark scheme.
A number is doubled, then 7 is added, giving a result of 29. (a) Form an equation using n for the number. (b) Solve the equation to find n. (c) Check your answer by substituting it back into the original description.
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A sequence of patterns is made from tiles: pattern 1 uses 5 tiles, pattern 2 uses 9 tiles, and pattern 3 uses 13 tiles, with the pattern continuing by adding the same number of tiles each time. (a) Find the rule connecting the pattern number and the number of tiles. (b) Find the number of tiles in pattern 6. (c) Find which pattern number is the first to use more than 50 tiles.
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Free printable worksheet
Want more practice on paper? Download the csse essex style maths paper 3 worksheet pack - 3 pages of exam-style questions with a full mark scheme. One email opens every download in this browser for 14 days - no account, no card. Print it for personal and classroom use.
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