Top 5 Hardest PSLE Math Questions and How to Solve Them
Key Takeaways:
- Why Do Students Struggle with the Hardest PSLE Maths Questions?
Students often struggle with the hardest PSLE maths questions not because the concepts are beyond their level, but because these questions require more than routine solving. They demand high-order thinking, the ability to link multiple concepts, apply logic, and reason through unfamiliar scenarios.
- How to Support Your Child’s PSLE Math Preparation Effectively?
With support from a structured and experienced PSLE math tuition centre like Concept Math, students build the confidence and problem-solving skills needed to solve challenging maths questions.
Introduction
You’ve seen your child practise tirelessly for PSLE Math, only to be stumped by just one or two questions on exam day. Each year, the PSLE Math paper includes a handful of high-order thinking math problems, challenging students to combine logic, estimation, and creativity under exam pressure.
This article will share five of the hardest PSLE maths questions from recent and past papers. As a trusted maths tuition centre for primary students, Concept Math is here to guide your child in tackling them confidently.
What are the Top 5 Hardest PSLE Maths Questions (2015-2024)?
1. Area and Perimeter – Folded Shapes
Appearing in PSLE 2024 Paper 2, Question 17, this type of challenging PSLE Math question blends geometry with spatial reasoning. Students are asked to imagine folding shapes or removing parts, then find the perimeter or area of what remains.
As part of the PSLE Math Paper 2 strategy, encourage your child to sketch each step of the folding or unfolding process. Visualising the transformation helps them track what parts of the shape disappear, reappear, or change.
Key Skills:
- Visualising transformations
- Tracking hidden edges
- Correctly subtracting or adding segments
2. The “Helen and Ivan” Question – Combination Reasoning
The infamous “Helen and Ivan” question challenged students to work with multiple unknowns using a mix of arithmetic and logical reasoning. Tested in PSLE 2021 Paper 2, Question 15, it stumped even top scorers, not because the math was advanced, but because it required clear thinking and strategic testing of combinations.
To tackle questions like this, students should list all possible combinations, then eliminate those that don’t meet the conditions. Sharpen this skill through consistent guidance from dependable tutors.
Key Skills:
- Identifying variables
- Testing different combinations
- Working backwards from total values
3. Pattern Questions – Sequences and Logical Thinking
Pattern questions involving sequences and logical thinking often appear as high-order thinking math problems. They assess a student’s ability to recognise, extend, and analyse patterns in numbers or shapes. Students should be able to identify underlying relationships and think flexibly. To approach them effectively, train your child to look for structure before jumping into calculations. Patterns are about logic and connections, not just numbers on a page.
Key skills:
- Spotting patterns
- Recognising position-based rules (like even/odd placement)
- Generalising trends
4. Ribbon Rolls – Division with Leftovers
The Ribbon Rolls question from PSLE 2017 Paper 2 challenged students to determine how many complete ribbons could be cut from a longer roll, taking into account leftover material. While it may appear to be a straightforward division problem, it required practical thinking. Students are required to justify from the point of view of the ribbon roll seller, determining whether the ribbons should be sold by length or by roll.
When solving this question, students should recognise when to round up and how to handle remainders in a real-world context. As a parent, try using hands-on examples to help your child master this concept. These may include measuring cloth or cutting paper to show how division works in everyday situations.
Key skills:
Understanding that division results often need to be rounded up in real-life contexts and that remainders matter.
5. Flower Pot Logic – Estimation and Reasoning
The Flower Pot Logic question from PSLE 2015 Paper 2 focused on estimation and reasoning rather than heavy calculations. Students were given limited information and had to use logic to determine quantities or groups, making it a true test of real-world thinking.
Remind your child that in PSLE Math Paper 2, not every question requires a complex formula; sometimes, applying common-sense reasoning and logical deduction is the smartest strategy.
Key skills:
- Using estimation
- Eliminating unreasonable answers
- Applying common-sense reasoning
What are Some Useful Tips for Tackling the Hardest PSLE Maths Questions?
At Concept Math, we believe that with the right strategies, every student can solve even the hardest PSLE maths questions. Backed by years of experience at our PSLE math tuition centre, we use the following techniques to help students build confidence:
1. Don’t Rush
Slow down, read carefully, and underline or highlight key information. Rushing often leads to missing important clues.
2. Annotate
Simplify percentages, decimals, ratios and fractions. Draw arrows and diagrams like models or tables to aid in understanding the required task.
3. Use Estimation
A rough estimate helps students check if their answer is in the right ballpark, especially useful in tricky reasoning questions.
How a PSLE Math Tuition Centre Can Help
Challenging PSLE maths questions aren’t unbeatable; they just require the right approach. Concept Math specialises in helping students master how to solve tricky math questions in PSLE through structured methods and visual strategies. Our S.M.A.R.T. and L.E.A.R.N. frameworks are designed to simplify complex problems and build long-term confidence. Our focus is on understanding, applying, and thriving.
Get in touch to check on the class availability.
