The Edexcel A level Maths specification (9MA0), explained

By Fatema Bhatt, Founder, STEM-Tutor · Updated October 2026

Pearson Edexcel A level Mathematics (9MA0) has three 2-hour papers: two pure and one applied. The specification lists ten pure topics, five statistics topics and four mechanics topics. Here is how it all fits together.

The three papers

• Paper 1: Pure Mathematics 1 (9MA0/01): 2 hours, 100 marks, 33.33% of the A level.
• Paper 2: Pure Mathematics 2 (9MA0/02): 2 hours, 100 marks, 33.33%.
• Paper 3: Statistics and Mechanics (9MA0/03): 2 hours, 100 marks, 33.33%, with Section A statistics and Section B mechanics.

Papers 1 and 2 can include questions on any pure topic. Calculators are allowed in every paper, and the booklet Mathematical Formulae and Statistical Tables is provided. All papers are taken in the same May/June series.

Pure mathematics topics (Papers 1 and 2)

1. Proof
2. Algebra and functions
3. Coordinate geometry in the (x, y) plane
4. Sequences and series
5. Trigonometry
6. Exponentials and logarithms
7. Differentiation
8. Integration
9. Numerical methods
10. Vectors

What the pure topics include

• Proof: deduction, exhaustion, counterexample and, in the second year, contradiction.
• Algebra and functions: indices and surds, quadratics, simultaneous equations, inequalities, polynomials and the factor theorem, graphs and transformations, partial fractions, modulus, composite and inverse functions.
• Coordinate geometry: straight lines, circles and parametric equations.
• Sequences and series: the binomial expansion, arithmetic and geometric sequences and series, and sigma notation.
• Trigonometry: radians, identities, the reciprocal and inverse functions, compound and double angles, R cos(θ ± α) forms and small angle approximations.
• Exponentials and logarithms: the laws of logarithms, e^x and ln x, and modelling with exponential functions.
• Differentiation and integration: from first principles to the chain, product and quotient rules, implicit and parametric differentiation, integration by substitution and by parts, and differential equations.
• Numerical methods: locating roots, iteration, Newton-Raphson and the trapezium rule.
• Vectors: in two and three dimensions.

Statistics topics (Paper 3, Section A)

1. Statistical sampling
2. Data presentation and interpretation
3. Probability
4. Statistical distributions
5. Statistical hypothesis testing

Statistics questions can draw on Edexcel's large data set of weather data, which you should explore in class so you recognise its variables and quirks.

Mechanics topics (Paper 3, Section B)

6. Quantities and units in mechanics
7. Kinematics
8. Forces and Newton's laws
9. Moments

Overarching themes

Every topic is tested through three themes: mathematical argument, language and proof; mathematical problem solving; and mathematical modelling. Expect questions that ask you to explain, prove or criticise a model, not only to calculate.

What you must know without the booklet

Appendix 1 of the specification lists the formulas that are not in the booklet, including the quadratic formula, laws of logarithms, double angle formulas, standard derivatives and integrals, and the chain and product rules. See our Edexcel formula booklet guide for the full list.

A Paper 1 or 2 style question

Prove that the sum of any three consecutive integers is divisible by 3.

• Let the integers be n, n + 1 and n + 2.
• Their sum is 3n + 3 = 3(n + 1), which is a multiple of 3, so it is divisible by 3.

A Paper 3 statistics question

X ~ B(20, 0.3). Find P(X ≤ 4).

• Using a calculator's cumulative binomial function, P(X ≤ 4) = 0.2375 (4 d.p.).

A Paper 3 mechanics question

A particle starts from rest and accelerates at 3 m s⁻² for 4 s. How far does it travel?

• s = ut + ½at² = 0 + ½ × 3 × 16 = 24 m.

Using the specification to revise

1. Download the current specification from Pearson and print the topic pages.
2. Rate each point and revise the weak ones first, with past paper questions on each.
3. Revise pure across both papers: any pure topic can appear in Paper 1 or Paper 2.
4. Practise Paper 3 as two halves: about an hour each on statistics and mechanics.

More questions

Which pure topics carry the most marks?

Calculus (differentiation and integration), algebra and functions, and trigonometry appear most often, because they are also used inside other questions. But Papers 1 and 2 can test every pure topic, so none can be skipped.

Do I need to learn the large data set?

You do not need to memorise its values, but you should know what it contains, such as the weather stations, the months covered and the variables recorded, so you can interpret questions about it.

Is Further Maths a separate specification?

Yes. Edexcel A level Further Mathematics (9FM0) has its own specification and papers, taken alongside A level Maths.

How should I split revision between the papers?

Two thirds of the marks are pure, so give pure maths about two thirds of your time, and split the rest between statistics and mechanics according to your weaker side.

Common mistakes

• Expecting particular pure topics in Paper 1 only: both pure papers can test anything.
• Ignoring the large data set until the last month.
• Relying on the booklet for results it does not contain.
• Skipping proof questions, which appear every year.

Practice questions

Try each one before opening the answer.

Frequently asked questions

Is Edexcel A level Maths the same as Edexcel IAL Maths?

No. 9MA0 is the UK linear A level with three papers. The International A Level is modular, with six units.

Can I take AS and A level papers in different years?

All three A level papers are taken in one May/June series. The AS is a separate qualification.

What is the large data set?

A set of real weather data that Edexcel uses in statistics questions. Work with it in class so you recognise its variables.

Key takeaways

• Three 2-hour papers of 100 marks.
• Papers 1 and 2: ten pure topics, any of which can appear in either.
• Paper 3: statistics (Section A) and mechanics (Section B).
• Calculator and formula booklet in every paper.
• Learn the formulas Pearson leaves out of the booklet.

Related guides

• Edexcel A level Maths formula booklet
• A level Maths topics
• Edexcel A level Maths past papers
• Edexcel IAL Maths past papers