Algebra: Functions, quadratics, logarithms, exponential functions, mathematical proof, partial fractions, and complex numbers
Coordinate Geometry: Straight lines, circles, and curves.
Trigonometry: Circular measure (radians), trigonometric identities, equations, and functions.
Calculus: Differentiation (rates of change, tangents, normals, stationary points) and Integration (areas, volumes, and solving differential equations).
Series: Binomial expansion, arithmetic, and geometric progressions.
Vectors: Algebra and geometry of vectors in two and three dimensions
Numerical Solution of Equations: Iterative methods to find approximate solutions
The Poisson Distribution: Understanding and applying the Poisson distribution as a model for discrete random variables.
Linear Combinations of Random Variables: Calculating the mean and variance of linear combinations of independent random variables.
Continuous Random Variables: Using probability density functions and cumulative distribution functions.
Sampling and Estimation: Methods of sampling, estimating population parameters, and confidence intervals.
Hypothesis Tests: Conducting one- and two-tailed hypothesis tests for the mean and population proportion, including Type I and Type II errors.
The exam is a written paper consisting of structured questions. All questions are compulsory.
Paper 1: Pure Mathematics 1 (P3)
Duration: 1 hour 50 minutes
Marks: 75 points
Format: This paper typically has 10 to 12 structured questions of varying lengths and difficulty.
Paper 5: Probability and Statistics 1 (S2)
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Marks: 50 marks
Format: This paper has 6 to 8 structured questions.
A level exam Scoring
A Level Scoring: The scores from the AS level exams, taken the previous year, are combined with the two test scores from the A level course as follows
Pure Math AS 30% + A 30% and Statistics AS 20% and A 20%.
Assessment: The questions are designed to test not only a student's knowledge of the content but also their ability to apply logical methodologies, problem-solving skills, and mathematical reasoning.
Formulae: While a list of formulae is provided in the exam, students are expected to know certain fundamental formulas and exact values (e.g., trigonometric values for standard angles) by heart.
Working: All working should be shown clearly and neatly in the provided spaces on the question paper.
Calculator: A scientific calculator is permitted, but students should be prepared for non-calculator questions as well.
Several U.S. states have adopted system-wide policies for awarding college credit for Cambridge International exams. This means that a student's qualifying exam grade will be accepted for credit at any public university or college within that state.
North Carolina: The University of North Carolina (UNC) System has a unified policy on awarding undergraduate credit for prior learning. This policy applies to all 16 public universities in the system.
Minimum Grade Requirement: Students who earn a score of E or higher on a Cambridge A-Level or AS-Level exam are eligible to receive college credit. This is a very student-friendly policy, as many institutions in other states require higher scores (e.g., A, B, or C). An A level exam is typically awarded 6-8 credit hours.
Florida, Indiana, South Carolina, and others: These states also have similar policies that require public universities to grant credit for Cambridge exams, often with a minimum grade of E.