Edexcel A level Maths past papers and mark schemes
Pearson Edexcel publishes its A level Maths (9MA0) past papers and mark schemes free through its own past paper search. There are three 2-hour papers worth 100 marks each: Papers 1 and 2 are pure maths, and Paper 3 is statistics and mechanics. The most recent papers, from the last 12 months, are only available to teachers.
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Where to find every Edexcel A level Maths paper
Pearson publishes Edexcel A level Maths question papers, mark schemes and examiners' reports free on its own past paper search, rather than as a fixed list of links, so we send you straight there.
Open Pearson's free past paper search
- Choose A Level and Mathematics (2017) if they are not already selected.
- Pick the exam series, then open the question paper, mark scheme or examiners' report.
- Papers from the last 12 months are for teachers only; ask your teacher for them after your mocks.
Edexcel A level Maths paper structure
| Paper | Questions or marks | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1: pure mathematics | 100 marks | 2 hours |
| Paper 2: pure mathematics | 100 marks | 2 hours |
| Paper 3: statistics and mechanics | 100 marks | 2 hours |
A calculator is allowed in every paper, and you get the board's formula booklet in the exam.
What each paper covers
| Paper 1 | Pure maths: any of proof, algebra and functions, coordinate geometry, sequences and series, trigonometry, exponentials and logarithms, differentiation, integration, numerical methods and vectors. |
|---|---|
| Paper 2 | Pure maths again, from the same list. Papers 1 and 2 are not split by topic, so any pure topic can appear on either. |
| Paper 3 | Statistics in Section A (statistical sampling, data presentation and interpretation, probability, the binomial and normal distributions, and hypothesis testing) and mechanics in Section B (quantities and units, kinematics (including constant acceleration and projectiles), forces and Newton's laws, and moments). |
Two full papers of pure maths means pure topics are about two thirds of your grade, so strong algebra and calculus pay off twice.
Tips for Edexcel A level Maths papers
- Two of the three papers are pure maths, so pure fluency is worth two thirds of your grade.
- Paper 3 statistics questions can use the large data set. Know its variables and the weather stations it covers.
- Learn what is in the Edexcel formula booklet, and what is not, so you do not waste time searching it.
- Mechanics questions reward clear diagrams and stating the model's assumptions, such as treating an object as a particle.
Free Edexcel A level Maths practice questions
Ten original questions written by our tutors in the style of the exam. Choose an answer to see if you are right and why.
Answered 0 of 10 · 0 correct
1. Write 2/(x(x + 2)) in partial fractions.
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B. 2/(x(x + 2)) = A/x + B/(x + 2) gives 2 = A(x + 2) + Bx, so A = 1 and B = −1.
2. Differentiate e3x.
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B. By the chain rule, the derivative of ekx is kekx.
3. Solve 2 sin θ = 1 for 0° ≤ θ < 360°.
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B. sin θ = ½ gives 30°, and sin is also positive in the second quadrant: 180° − 30° = 150°.
4. Evaluate ∫1e (1/x) dx.
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B. The integral is ln x, and ln e − ln 1 = 1 − 0 = 1.
5. A geometric series has first term 8 and common ratio ½. What is its sum to infinity?
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C. S = a/(1 − r) = 8/(1 − ½) = 16.
6. Which is the equation of the circle with centre (2, −3) and radius 4?
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A. The circle (x − a)² + (y − b)² = r² has centre (a, b) and radius r.
7. X ~ N(50, 4²). What is P(X > 50)?
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C. A normal distribution is symmetric about its mean, so half the probability is above 50.
8. A projectile moves with constant horizontal velocity 10 m/s. How far does it travel horizontally in 3 s?
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C. With no horizontal force, horizontal distance = speed × time = 10 × 3 = 30 m.
9. Differentiate x² sin x.
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B. Product rule: (2x)(sin x) + (x²)(cos x).
10. What is the magnitude of the vector 3i + 4j?
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B. |3i + 4j| = √(3² + 4²) = √25 = 5.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I download Edexcel A level Maths past papers?
From Pearson's free past paper search, linked on this page. Choose A Level, Mathematics (2017), then the series you want.
Which Edexcel A level Maths paper is statistics and mechanics?
Paper 3. Papers 1 and 2 are both pure mathematics.
Why can't I find the newest Edexcel paper?
Pearson keeps papers from the last 12 months for teachers only. Your teacher can share them after your mocks.