11+ Maths: Understanding Distance (CEM & GL)
26 October 2026
Understanding distance questions in 11+ maths
Distance questions often appear in both CEM and GL 11+ maths exams. These problems check if children can apply their number skills to real-life situations, such as journeys or measuring lengths.
What your child needs to know
Children should be confident with the basic formula: distance = speed × time. It is also important to check the units in each question and convert them if needed, such as minutes to hours or metres to kilometres.
Worked example
A cyclist travels at a speed of 15 km/h for 3 hours.
Step 1: Write the formula: distance = speed × time
Step 2: Substitute the numbers: distance = 15 × 3
Step 3: Multiply: 15 × 3 = 45
The total distance travelled is 45 km.
Key insight: Always check the units in the question. If the time is given in minutes, convert it to hours before multiplying, or if the speed is in metres per second, make sure the distance matches.
Tips for supporting your child
Encourage your child to underline the key numbers and units in each question. Practise simple unit conversions together. Use real-life examples, like planning a car journey, to make the topic less abstract.
Summary
Distance problems in 11+ exams become easier with regular practice of the formula and careful attention to units. Step-by-step working and checking each stage will help your child avoid common mistakes.
