Edexcel A-Level Maths Revision Guide

Preparing for your A Level Maths exams can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry - we’ve got you covered! This guide breaks down the structure of the exams and gives you practical tips to revise effectively. Let’s dive in! 🚀

📑 How Many Papers Are There?

Calculators can be used in both of these assessments.

For Edexcel A Level Maths, you’ll sit three papers in total:

• Paper 1: Pure Mathematics 1

• Paper 2: Pure Mathematics 2

• Paper 3: Statistics and Mechanics

All three papers are worth 100 marks each, and each contributes one-third of your final grade. No optional modules - everyone sits the same papers.

• ⏰Duration: Both papers are 2 hours

• 🏆Marks: Both papers are 100 marks (33.3% of total grade)

• 📌Content: The content can appear on either Paper 1 or Paper 2.

Algebra and Functions

• Manipulating algebraic expressions, index laws, and surds

• Factorisation and expansion

• Solving linear, quadratic, cubic, and simultaneous equations

• Solving inequalities, interpreting graphically

• Function notation, transformations, and inverses

Quadratics and Equations

• Quadratic graphs, discriminant, real/complex roots

• Completing the square

Coordinate Geometry in the (x, y) Plane

• Straight line geometry: gradient, midpoint, length, equation

• Intersection of lines and curves

Trigonometry and Circular Measure

• Trig functions: sine, cosine, tangent

• Trig identities, solving trig equations

• Angle measure in degrees and radians

• Trig rules for non-right triangles

Sequences and Series

• Arithmetic and geometric sequences and series

• Sigma notation (Σ) for sums

Exponentials & Logarithms

• Manipulating exponential expressions

• Laws of logarithms

• Solving exponential and logarithmic equations

Calculus: Differentiation & Integration

• Differentiation rules (power, chain, product/quotient)

• First and second derivatives: gradients, stationary points, maxima/minima, curve shapes

• Integration: definite and indefinite, area under curves

Numerical Methods

• Approximation techniques for solving equations or integrals

Vectors (2‑D geometry)

• Vector notation, arithmetic, linear combinations

• Vector geometry in 2‑D: magnitude, direction, geometric applications

Proof and Mathematical Reasoning

• Deduction, algebraic proof, logical argument structure

• ❓Question Types:  Both pure papers contain the same types of questions. Any pure topic may appear on either paper. Expect a mixture of:

Short Skills Questions

These test fluency in core techniques, e.g.

• Simplify expressions

• Expand/factorise

• Solve equations (linear, quadratic, cubic)

• Solve inequalities

• Evaluate logarithms or exponentials

• Substitute into functions

These are usually 1–3 mark questions.

Graphs & Coordinate Geometry Tasks

• Finding the gradient/midpoint

• Equation of a line

• Sketching or interpreting graphs

• Intersections of curves

• Transformations of functions

Often expect a sketch or explanation.

Trigonometry Questions

• Use or prove identities

• Sketch trig graphs

• Solve trig equations

• Apply radian measure, arcs and sector areas

Can be short or multi-step.

Algebraic Proof Questions

Typical command words:

• “Prove that…”

• “Show that…”

• “Hence explain why…”

May involve algebraic manipulation, binomial expansion, or trig identities.

Sequences & Series Questions

• nth term problems

• Arithmetic/geometric series

• Sigma notation

• Proof using induction (in A Level Pure only)

Some questions are procedural; others are multi-step reasoning tasks.

Calculus Questions

These appear frequently in longer structured questions.

• Differentiate (including product, quotient, chain)

• Find stationary points

• Sketch curves using calculus

• Integrate (including substitution, integration by parts)

• Areas, volumes of revolution

• Differential equations

Expect multi-stage reasoning

Vectors 

• Vector equations of lines

• Intersections

• Angle between lines

• Distance from a point to a line

• 3-D vector problems

Large Multi-Step Problems

A big characteristic of Pure papers:
You may see heavy mark problems combining topics, e.g.:

• Trig + calculus

• Functions + logs + differentiation

• Geometry + vectors + proof

• Binomial expansion + algebraic division

You earn method, reasoning and accuracy marks.

• ⏰Duration: 2 hours

• 🏆Marks: 100 marks (33.3% of total grade)

• 📌Content:

Statistics (Section A)

• Data collection and sampling methods

• Representation and interpretation of data (tables, charts, graphs, summary statistics)

• Probability rules, including conditional and combined events

• Statistical distributions: binomial and normal

• Hypothesis testing and inference

Mechanics (Section B)

• Quantities and units: distance, speed, acceleration, conversions

• Kinematics: motion in a straight line, constant acceleration, motion graphs

• Forces and dynamics: F = ma, resolving forces in 1D or simple 2D, equilibrium, motion problems

• Moments (torque) in rotational/static situations

• ❓Question Types: Paper 3 is split roughly 50/50 between Statistics and Mechanics, with clear question types for each section.

📈 Section A - Statistics Question Types

Data Interpretation & Summary Statistics

• Interpret tables, charts, histograms

• Compare distributions

• Calculate mean, median, quartiles

• Standard deviation & variance

• Outliers

Probability & Combined Events

• Basic and conditional probability

• Venn diagrams

• Tree diagrams

• Independence

Questions range from simple calculations to structured multi-part tasks.

Statistical Distributions

You will be asked to:

• Model situations using binomial or normal distributions

• Calculate probabilities

• Find values given probabilities

• Interpret parameters (mean/variance)

Often linked to real-life contexts.

Hypothesis Testing

• Form H₀ and H₁

• Use binomial or normal distribution

• Interpret significance levels

• Make conclusions in context

• For A Level: normal distribution tests with unknown variance (using sample SD)

These are multi-part questions with reasoning marks.

⚙️ Section B - Mechanics Question Types

• Using correct units

• Converting units

• Interpreting motion with consistent units

Usually part of early sub-questions.

Kinematics in 1D & 2D

Expect problems involving:

• SUVAT equations

• Motion graphs (distance-time, velocity-time)

• Particle movement in straight lines

• Projectile motion 

Forces & Newton’s Laws

• Resolving forces

• Weight, tension, normal reaction, friction

• Connected particles

• Motion on slopes

• Newton’s 2nd law applied in components

These are classic mechanics-style modelling problems.

Moments

• Moments and equilibrium

• Taking moments about a point

• Rods, beams, supports

• Centre of mass questions 

Often diagram-based.

Large Applied Modelling Questions

Mechanics usually finishes with a larger problem involving:

• Drawing force diagrams

• Constructing equations

• Solving simultaneously

• Interpreting physical meaning

These combine calculation + physical reasoning.

• ⏰Duration: 2 hours

• 🏆Marks: 100 marks (62.5% of total grade)

• 📌Content: This paper focuses on the core “Pure Maths” skills that form the foundation for A Level.

1️⃣ Proof

• Logical reasoning, deduction, proof by exhaustion, disproof by counterexample

2️⃣ Algebra and Functions

• Laws of indices (including rational exponents)

• Manipulating surds

• Quadratic functions: graphs, discriminant, completing the square

• Solving linear, quadratic, cubic, and simultaneous equations

• Solving inequalities and interpreting them graphically

• Function transformations and inverses

3️⃣ Coordinate Geometry in the (x, y) Plane

• Straight line geometry: gradient, midpoint, length, equation of a line

• Intersection of lines and curves

4️⃣ Sequences and Series

• Arithmetic and geometric sequences and series

• Use of Σ-notation

5️⃣ Trigonometry

• Degrees and radians

• Trig functions: sine, cosine, tangent

• Trig identities and solving trig equations

• Trig rules for non-right triangles (as required)

6️⃣ Exponentials and Logarithms

• Manipulating exponential expressions

• Laws of logarithms and solving exponential/logarithmic equations

7️⃣ Differentiation

• Power rule, chain rule, product/quotient rule

• First and second derivatives for gradients, stationary points, maxima/minima, curve shapes

8️⃣ Integration

• Definite and indefinite integrals

• Area under a curve

9️⃣ Vectors

• Vector notation and arithmetic

• Vector geometry in 2-D: magnitude, direction, linear combinations, geometric applications

• ❓Question Types: In short: expect a mix of short-answer, algebraic tasks, problem-solving, calculus, geometry and some “show/justify” style questions - all compulsory, with full working needed for method and accuracy marks.

• Short structured questions - short tasks like simplifying expressions, solving an equation, finding a gradient or evaluating a derivative.




• Longer multi-step problems - problems that require chaining several techniques: e.g. solve a quadratic inequality, then graph the solution; or integrate a function then interpret the area.




• Algebraic manipulation and “show your working” questions - you might be asked to “show that …” (prove an identity or transform an expression), or solve something exactly (not numerically). You must show all steps to gain full marks.




• Graphing / geometry-based questions - for coordinate geometry (lines, intercepts, gradients, intersections), or transformations of functions (shifting, reflecting graphs) - sometimes requiring sketches.




• Calculus questions - differentiation and integration tasks: find derivative, find stationary points, integrate a function, find area under a curve.




• Sequences/series / function-based questions - working with arithmetic/geometric sequences or series (using sigma notation), function manipulation or solving function equations.




• Vector problems (where included) - e.g. vector addition/combination, geometry in 2-D using vectors (find magnitude/direction, use for geometry proofs). 

📑 Paper 2: Statistics and Mechanics

• ⏰Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes

• Marks: 60 marks (37.5% of total grade)




• 📌Content: Paper 2 splits into two equivalent‑weighted halves: Statistics (Section A) and Mechanics (Section B).

📈 Section A: Statistics

• Statistical Sampling: understanding different methods

• Data Presentation & Interpretation: tables, charts, graphs, summary statistics

• Probability: basic rules, conditional probability, independent events

• Statistical Distributions: binomial and normal distributions

• Hypothesis Testing: using distributions to test hypotheses and interpret results

⚙️ Section B: Mechanics

• Quantities and Units: distance, speed, acceleration, conversions

• Kinematics: motion in a straight line, constant acceleration, suvat equations, motion graphs

• Forces and Newton’s Laws: F = ma, modelling forces in 1D/2D, equilibrium, motion problems

• ❓Question Types: This paper combines statistics and mechanics, so the question-types vary depending on section:

✅ Statistics section

You’ll get questions such as:

• Data-interpretation tasks - reading charts, tables, histograms or other data displays; computing summary statistics (mean, median, standard deviation, etc.). 

• Probability questions - basic probability, events, maybe conditional probability or combinations of events.




• Distribution-based questions - working with discrete distributions (e.g. binomial) or continuous distributions (e.g. normal), using distribution formulae or tables, calculating probabilities, expectations, variances. 




• Hypothesis-testing / inference - applying statistical tests (as specified: e.g. using binomial or normal distribution), interpreting results, drawing conclusions about data/samples. 




• Short and structured questions for probability or data tasks (calculate this; state that), and sometimes multi-part problems combining data interpretation + probability + conclusion

⚙️ Mechanics section

Mechanics questions tend to be more applied and involve:

• Kinematics / motion problems - using equations of motion (constant acceleration etc.), interpreting displacement-time or velocity-time graphs, calculating displacement, velocity, acceleration, time. 




• Forces and dynamics - using Newton’s laws (F = ma), resolving forces (in one or sometimes two dimensions), equilibrium problems, motion under force, connected particles, etc. 




• Applied modelling / problem-solving - often word problems set in real-life contexts: e.g. “a car accelerates from … under constant acceleration … find its velocity after …” or “a ladder against a wall: find force components / reaction”. These require setting up equations, sometimes drawing free-body diagrams, then solving.




• Multi-step questions - e.g. first set up equations using formulae, then solve for unknowns, maybe follow-up subquestions interpreting units or contexts (speeds, times etc.). 




• Calculations with units, numerical working - often requiring clear showing of units, use of given constants (e.g. g = 9.8 m/s²), rounding, giving answers to specified significant figures.

✨Here are some top tips to make your revision more effective:

1️⃣ Know Your Formula Booklet📄

You do get a formula book - but not everything is in it!

• Learn: trig identities, differentiation/integration rules, algebraic manipulation.

• Use the booklet early so you get familiar with layout.

2️⃣ Practice Past Papers - Your Best Friend! 📚

Edexcel’s style is very consistent, so:

• Do full timed papers

• Review mark schemes to learn phrasing and method marks

• Track common mistakes (sign errors, rounding, missing units, etc.)

You will find the links to past papers and mark schemes on this page!

3️⃣ Break Topics Into Bite-Sized Chunks 💪

Pure Maths has large themes. Create mini-goals such as:

• “Today = logarithms + exponential equations”

• “Tomorrow = vectors + geometric proof”

Small wins ➝ big confidence 

4️⃣ For Statistics: Use Diagrams and Write in Sentences 📝

• Sketch distributions

• Label probabilities

• Write hypotheses and conclusions properly

• Practise using the Normal distribution table

Clarity matters - marks are often for explanations!

5️⃣ For Mechanics: Draw Accurate Diagrams 📊

Free-body diagrams (FBDs) are everything.
Every time: draw forces → apply Newton’s laws → solve step by step.

6️⃣ Learn the Command Words ✅

Edexcel loves precision.

• Show that… requires full working

• Hence… means you must use a previous result

• Explain… requires words, not just numbers

7️⃣ Use Revision Tools Wisely 🎯

• YouTube (ExamSolutions, TLMaths)

• Revision sites (Physics & Maths Tutor, MME)

• Flashcards for identities + definitions

• A question bank sorted by topic

🌟 Final Thoughts

A Level Maths is totally manageable when you understand the structure and practise with purpose. Start early, practise regularly and use mistakes as data - not discouragement.

You’ve got this! 🚀