Additional Mathematics is the step between IGCSE or O Level Math and A Level. It is a demanding course, and it rewards students who understand why methods work. This guide explains the exam format for IGCSE Additional Mathematics 0606 and O Level Additional Mathematics 4037, lists the topics, and suggests how to prepare.
The exam
Both syllabuses are assessed with two written papers.
| Paper | Time | Marks | Weight | Calculator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | 2 hours | 80 | 50% | Not allowed |
| Paper 2 | 2 hours | 80 | 50% | Scientific calculator required |
Roughly half the marks reward recalling and using techniques, and the other half reward solving problems and explaining your reasoning clearly. Grades run from A* to E.
Because Paper 1 has no calculator, you need to be comfortable with exact values, surds, and manipulating algebra by hand. Always check the current syllabus for your exam year.
The 14 topics
- Functions
- Quadratic functions
- Factors of polynomials
- Equations, inequalities and graphs
- Simultaneous equations
- Logarithmic and exponential functions
- Straight-line graphs
- Coordinate geometry of the circle
- Circular measure
- Trigonometry
- Permutations and combinations
- Series
- Vectors in two dimensions
- Calculus
How the topics fit together
- Quadratics and algebra are the engine of the course. Factorising, completing the square and the discriminant appear again and again, including inside circle, calculus and trigonometry questions.
- Functions, logarithms and exponentials are linked, because inverse functions and the laws of logarithms are used to solve exponential equations.
- Trigonometry and circular measure work in radians, and radians return in calculus.
- Calculus is the final topic, but it uses nearly everything before it.
How to prepare
- Get the algebra solid first. If you are slow or unsure with fractions, brackets and surds, every other topic will feel harder than it is.
- Learn each topic, then practise it on its own. Do past paper questions on one topic at a time until the method feels natural.
- Practise Paper 1 without a calculator from early on, not just in the last month.
- Write full working. Marks are given for method, so a clear line of reasoning protects you even when an arithmetic slip happens.
- Keep an error log. Write down every mistake and why it happened. Review it before each timed paper.
- Finish with full papers under timed conditions, then mark them strictly against the mark scheme.
The guide on how to get the most from past papers covers this last step in more detail.