DfE statement P3 · Probability
Relative frequency and the probability scale
Relative frequency and the probability scale is content statement P3 of the DfE GCSE mathematics subject content, in the probability area. It is on both tiers, and it appears on both the calculator and the non-calculator papers. Below is what the specification actually requires, the 3 mistakes that cost marks on this topic most often, and practice questions written to the statement — original questions, not past papers.
What the specification says
The DfE subject content for GCSE mathematics states, verbatim: "Relate relative expected frequencies to theoretical probability, using appropriate language and the 0–1 probability scale." (statement P3). Every awarding organisation — Pearson Edexcel, AQA and OCR — must cover it, so the wording is the same whichever specification your school follows.
Tier
Both tiers. This statement is Foundation content, which means Higher students are examined on it too — Higher is Foundation plus more, never instead of it.
Calculator
This turns up on both the non-calculator and the calculator papers, so practise it both ways — the written method for Paper 1 and the efficient calculator route for Papers 2 and 3.
Common mistakes
- Quoting the raw frequency instead of the relative frequency, which is the frequency divided by the number of trials.
- Declaring a spinner biased on the evidence of a handful of spins.
- Writing a probability as '1 in 4' or as a ratio when a fraction, decimal or percentage is required.
Sample questions (10 of 30)
Nearby statements
Questions people ask
Is relative frequency and the probability scale on Foundation or Higher?
Both. It is Foundation content, so it can be asked on either tier.
Can I use a calculator for relative frequency and the probability scale?
It depends on the paper. Paper 1 is non-calculator; Papers 2 and 3 allow one, and this topic is asked on both kinds.
What is the single most common mistake here?
Quoting the raw frequency instead of the relative frequency, which is the frequency divided by the number of trials.
Are these past paper questions?
No. Every question is original, written to this DfE content statement and checked before publication. We do not host past papers or mark schemes.
Back to Probability at Foundation or at Higher.