IGCSE Mathematics
Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics builds core skills in number, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and statistics, available at Core and Extended tiers for students worldwide.
Difficulty
Moderate
Popularity
82%
Past questions
3
Study tips
5
Key Topics
Exam Format & Dates
May/June & October/November, annually
~3–4 hours across 2 papers
Grades A*–G (or 9–1 in some regions)
C / Grade 4 = standard pass | A*/9 = highest
| Section | Duration | Content | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 2/4 — Non-Calculator or Structured | 1 hour 30 minutes – 2 hours | Short + structured | 50% |
| Paper 4 — Extended Structured | 2 hours | Longer structured questions | 50% |
Exam Breakdown & Insights
Difficulty · Challenging
Popularity score
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Study Tips
- 1
Show every step of your working — most exams award method marks even when the final answer is wrong.
- 2
Memorize key formulas by using them repeatedly, and know exactly which ones are provided on the formula sheet.
- 3
After solving a problem, check your answer by substitution or estimation to catch sign and arithmetic errors.
- 4
Work through Cambridge past papers and mark schemes — examiner wording is consistent year to year.
- 5
Read examiner reports: they tell you exactly which mistakes cost students marks last session.
Past Exam Questions
Define the key terms involved in Number and state any formula or rule you would use, explaining what each symbol represents.
A problem involves Algebra & Graphs. Set it up carefully, solve it showing every step of your working, and check that your answer is reasonable.
Prove or justify a general result relating to Coordinate Geometry, then apply it to a specific case and interpret what the result means in context.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕
Memorizing procedures without understanding when to use them — exams disguise familiar problems in new contexts.
- ✕
Skipping steps in working, which throws away method marks when the final answer is wrong.
- ✕
Not sanity-checking answers for reasonableness (wrong units, impossible magnitudes, extraneous solutions).
Official Resources
Free, official study material for IGCSE Mathematics — always start with the source your exam board publishes.
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