Syllabus: Cambridge O Level Additional Mathematics 4037
Syllabus: Cambridge O Level Additional Mathematics 4037
Syllabus: Cambridge O Level Additional Mathematics 4037
Cambridge O Level
Additional Mathematics 4037
Use this syllabus for exams in 2023 and 2024.
Exams are available in the June and November series.
Version 2
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Key benefits
Cambridge O Level is typically for 14 to 16 year olds and is an internationally recognised qualification. It has been
designed especially for an international market and is sensitive to the needs of different countries. Cambridge O
Level is designed for learners whose first language may not be English, and this is acknowledged throughout the
examination process.
Cambridge O Level Additional Mathematics supports learners in building competency, confidence and fluency in
their use of techniques and mathematical understanding. This course helps learners to develop a feel for quantity,
patterns and relationships. Learners will develop their reasoning, problem-solving and analytical skills in a variety of
contexts.
Cambridge O Level Additional Mathematics provides a strong foundation of mathematical knowledge both for
candidates studying mathematics at a higher level and those who will require mathematics to support skills in
other subjects. It is designed to stretch the most able candidates and provides a smooth transition to Cambridge
AS & A Level Mathematics.
Our programmes balance a thorough knowledge and understanding of a subject and help to develop the skills
learners need for their next steps in education or employment.
Cambridge
learner
‘Cambridge O Level has helped me develop thinking and analytical skills which will go a long way
in helping me with advanced studies.’
Kamal Khan Virk, former student at Beaconhouse Garden Town Secondary School, Pakistan, who went on to study Actuarial Science at
the London School of Economics
Cambridge O Levels are accepted and valued by leading universities and employers around the world as evidence
of academic achievement. Many universities require a combination of Cambridge International AS & A Levels and
Cambridge O Levels or equivalent to meet their entry requirements.
‘Cambridge Additional Mathematics not only prepares students for success in Cambridge
International AS & A Level Mathematics (9709) but also helps them understand different areas of
Higher Mathematics in further studies, such as Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, Economics
and Business.’
Ishrat Jahan Nabila, Senior Faculty (Mathematics and Additional Mathematics)
Coordinator for Higher Primary and Secondary, Singapore School Kinderland, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Supporting teachers
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2 Syllabus overview
Aims
The aims describe the purposes of a course based on this syllabus.
Content overview
All candidates will study the following topics:
1 Functions
2 Quadratic functions
3 Equations, inequalities and graphs
4 Indices and surds
5 Factors of polynomials
6 Simultaneous equations
7 Logarithmic and exponential functions
8 Straight line graphs
9 Circular measure
10 Trigonometry
11 Permutations and combinations
12 Series
13 Vectors in two dimensions
14 Differentiation and integration
The content of Cambridge O Level Mathematics is assumed as prerequisite knowledge for this qualification.
Calculators
The syllabus assumes that candidates will be in possession of a scientific calculator for both papers.
Candidates must show all necessary working; no marks will be given to unsupported answers from a calculator.
Non-exact numerical answers will be required to be given correct to three significant figures, or one decimal place
in the case of angles in degrees, unless a different level of accuracy is specified in the question.
Mathematical notation
The list of mathematical notation that may be used in examinations for this syllabus is available on our website at
www.cambridgeinternational.org/4037
[‘This O Level syllabus shares content with other [subject] syllabuses. For further support see the
School Support Hub for IGCSE [subject]. Textbooks endorsed to support IGCSE [subject] are suitable for use
with this syllabus’.]
Assessment overview
All candidates take two components.
Assessment objectives
The assessment objectives (AOs) are:
AO1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of mathematical techniques
Candidates should be able to:
• recall and use mathematical manipulative techniques
• interpret and use mathematical data, symbols and terminology
• comprehend numerical, algebraic and spatial concepts and relationships.
AO1 D
emonstrate knowledge and understanding of mathematical techniques 50
Total 100
Paper 1 Paper 2
AO1 D
emonstrate knowledge and understanding of 50 50
mathematical techniques
3 Subject content
This syllabus gives you the flexibility to design a course that will interest, challenge and engage your learners.
Where appropriate you are responsible for selecting resources and examples to support your learners’ study. These
should be appropriate for the learners’ age, cultural background and learning context as well as complying with
your school policies and local legal requirements.
Knowledge of the content of Cambridge O Level Mathematics (or an equivalent syllabus) is assumed.
Cambridge O Level material which is not included in the subject content will not be tested directly but it may be
required in response to questions on other topics.
Proofs of results will not be required unless specifically mentioned in the syllabus.
Candidates will be expected to be familiar with the scientific notation for the expression of compound units,
e.g. 5 ms–1 for 5 metres per second.
1 Functions
• understand the terms: function, domain, range (image set), one-one function, inverse function and
composition of functions
• use the notation f(x) = sin x, f: x ↦ lg x, (x > 0), f –1(x) and f 2(x) [= f(f(x))]
• understand the relationship between y = f(x) and y = |f(x)|, where f(x) may be linear, quadratic or
trigonometric
• explain in words why a given function is a function or why it does not have an inverse
• find the inverse of a one-one function and form composite functions
• use sketch graphs to show the relationship between a function and its inverse
2 Quadratic functions
• find the maximum or minimum value of the quadratic function f : x ↦ ax 2 + bx + c by any method
• use the maximum or minimum value of f(x) to sketch the graph or determine the range for a given domain
• know the conditions for f(x) = 0 to have:
(i) two real roots, (ii) two equal roots, (iii) no real roots
and the related conditions for a given line to
(i) intersect a given curve, (ii) be a tangent to a given curve, (iii) not intersect a given curve
• solve quadratic equations for real roots and find the solution set for quadratic inequalities
5 Factors of polynomials
• know and use the remainder and factor theorems
• find factors of polynomials
• solve cubic equations
6 Simultaneous equations
• solve simple simultaneous equations in two unknowns by elimination or substitution
9 Circular measure
• solve problems involving the arc length and sector area of a circle, including knowledge and use of radian
measure
10 Trigonometry
• know the six trigonometric functions of angles of any magnitude (sine, cosine, tangent, secant, cosecant,
cotangent)
• understand amplitude and periodicity and the relationship between graphs of related trigonometric
functions, e.g. sin x and sin 2x
• draw and use the graphs of
y = a sin bx + c
y = a cos bx + c
y = a tan bx + c
where a is a positive integer, b is a simple fraction or integer (fractions will have a denominator of 2, 3, 4, 6
or 8 only), and c is an integer
• use the relationships
sin2 A + cos2 A = 1
sec2 A = 1 + tan2 A, cosec2 A = 1 + cot2 A
sin A cos A
cos A tan A sin A
= , = cot A
• solve simple trigonometric equations involving the six trigonometric functions and the above relationships
(not including general solution of trigonometric equations)
• prove simple trigonometric identities
12 Series
• use the Binomial Theorem for expansion of (a + b)n for positive integer n
JnN
−
• use the general term KK OO a n r b r , 0 G r G n (knowledge of the greatest term and properties of the
r
LP
coefficients is not required)
• recognise arithmetic and geometric progressions
• use the formulae for the nth term and for the sum of the first n terms to solve problems involving arithmetic
or geometric progressions
• use the condition for the convergence of a geometric progression, and the formula for the sum to infinity of
a convergent geometric progression
Candidates must show all necessary working; no marks will be given to unsupported answers from a calculator.
Paper 1
2 hours, 80 marks
Candidates answer all questions.
This paper consists of questions of various lengths.
Electronic calculators are required.
This is a compulsory component for all candidates.
This written paper is an externally set assessment, marked by Cambridge International.
Paper 2
2 hours, 80 marks
Candidates answer all questions.
This paper consists of questions of various lengths.
Electronic calculators are required.
This is a compulsory component for all candidates.
This written paper is an externally set assessment, marked by Cambridge International.
List of formulae
1. ALGEBRA
Quadratic Equation
Binomial Theorem
JnN JnN JnN
(a + b) n = a n + KK OO a n - 1 b + KK OO a n - 2 b 2 + … + KK OO a n - r b r + … + b n
L1P L2P LrP
JnN n!
where n is a positive integer and KK OO = -
r (n r) !r!
LP
Arithmetic series un = a + ^n − 1h d
Sn = 2 n ^a + lh = 2 n #2a + ^n − 1h d -
1 1
−1
Geometric series un = ar n
a ^1 − r nh
Sn = ^r ! 1h
1−r
S3 = − ^ r 1 1h
a
1 r
2. TRIGONOMETRY
Identities
sin2 A + cos2 A = 1
sec2 A = 1 + tan2 A
cosec2 A = 1 + cot2 A
a2 = b2 + c2 – 2bc cos A
1
∆= bc sin A
2
Command words
Command words and their meanings help candidates know what is expected from them in the exams. The table
below includes command words used in the assessment for this syllabus. The use of the command word will relate
to the subject context.
This section is an overview of other information you need to know about this syllabus. It will help to share the
administrative information with your exams officer so they know when you will need their support. Find more
information about our administrative processes at www.cambridgeinternational.org/eoguide
You can enter candidates in the June and November exam series. You can view the timetable for your
administrative zone at www.cambridgeinternational.org/timetables
Check you are using the syllabus for the year the candidate is taking the exam.
Cambridge O Level, Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) syllabuses are at the same level.
Making entries
Exams officers are responsible for submitting entries to Cambridge International. We encourage them to work
closely with you to make sure they enter the right number of candidates for the right combination of syllabus
components. Entry option codes and instructions for submitting entries are in the Cambridge Guide to Making
Entries. Your exams officer has a copy of this guide.
Exam administration
To keep our exams secure, we produce question papers for different areas of the world, known as administrative
zones. We allocate all Cambridge schools to one administrative zone determined by their location. Each zone has
a specific timetable. Some of our syllabuses offer candidates different assessment options. An entry option code
is used to identify the components the candidate will take relevant to the administrative zone and the available
assessment options.
Retakes
Candidates can retake the whole qualification as many times as they want to. Information on retake entries is at
www.cambridgeinternational.org/entries
The standard assessment arrangements may present barriers for candidates with impairments. Where a candidate
is eligible, we may be able to make arrangements to enable that candidate to access assessments and receive
recognition of their attainment. We do not agree access arrangements if they give candidates an unfair advantage
over others or if they compromise the standards being assessed.
Candidates who cannot access the assessment of any component may be able to receive an award based on the
parts of the assessment they have completed.
Language
This syllabus and the related assessment materials are available in English only.
A* is the highest and E is the lowest. ‘Ungraded’ means that the candidate’s performance did not meet the
standard required for grade E. ‘Ungraded’ is reported on the statement of results but not on the certificate.
In specific circumstances your candidates may see one of the following letters on their statement of results:
• Q (PENDING)
• X (NO RESULT).
These letters do not appear on the certificate.
On the statement of results and certificates, Cambridge O Level is shown as GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF
EDUCATION (GCE O LEVEL).
Grade descriptions
Grade descriptions are provided to give an indication of the standards of achievement candidates awarded
particular grades are likely to show. Weakness in one aspect of the examination may be balanced by a better
performance in some other aspect.
Grade descriptions for Cambridge O Level Additional Mathematics will be published after the first assessment of
the O Level in 2020. Find more information at www.cambridgeinternational.org/4037
You are strongly advised to read the whole syllabus before planning your teaching programme.
Changes to syllabus content • A change has been made to the syllabus contents page where reference to
Paper 3 has been changed to Paper 2.
• A change has been made to this Changes to this syllabus page to remove
blue text.
Any textbooks endorsed to support the syllabus for examination from 2020 are still suitable for use
with this syllabus.