Pure Mathematics exam tips

Exam tips

• Partial fractions exam tip 1

  Write the method before the answer so the examiner can follow each step. Apply this to b10 Decompose rational functions into partial fractions, with denominators not more complicated than squared linear terms and with no more than three terms, and numerators constant or linear..

  This keeps the answer actionable and aligned to Partial fractions, rather than giving generic revision advice.

• Functions in modelling exam tip 1

  Write the method before the answer so the examiner can follow each step. Apply this to b11 Use functions in modelling, including consideration of limitations and refinements of the models..

  This keeps the answer actionable and aligned to Functions in modelling, rather than giving generic revision advice.

• Straight line coordinate geometry exam tip 1

  Write the method before the answer so the examiner can follow each step. Apply this to c1 Understand and use the equation of a straight line, including the forms y - y1 = m(x - x1) and ax + by + c = 0; use gradient conditions for two straight lines to be parallel or perpendicular; use straight line models in a variety of contexts..

  This keeps the answer actionable and aligned to Straight line coordinate geometry, rather than giving generic revision advice.

• Circle coordinate geometry exam tip 1

  Write the method before the answer so the examiner can follow each step. Apply this to c2 Understand and use the coordinate geometry of the circle including the equation of a circle in the form (x - a)^2 + (y - b)^2 = r^2; complete the square to find the centre and radius; use circle properties including the angle in a semicircle, the perpendicular from the centre to a chord, and the radius perpendicular to a tangent..

  This keeps the answer actionable and aligned to Circle coordinate geometry, rather than giving generic revision advice.

• Parametric equations exam tip 1

  Write the method before the answer so the examiner can follow each step. Apply this to c3 Understand and use the parametric equations of curves and conversion between Cartesian and parametric forms..

  This keeps the answer actionable and aligned to Parametric equations, rather than giving generic revision advice.

• Parametric modelling exam tip 1

  Write the method before the answer so the examiner can follow each step. Apply this to c4 Use parametric equations in modelling in a variety of contexts..

  This keeps the answer actionable and aligned to Parametric modelling, rather than giving generic revision advice.

• Binomial expansion exam tip 1

  Write the method before the answer so the examiner can follow each step. Apply this to d1 Understand and use the binomial expansion of (a + bx)^n for positive integer n; use the notations n!, nCr and binomial coefficients; link to binomial probabilities; extend to any rational n including use for approximation; be aware that the expansion is valid for |bx/a| < 1, with proof not required..

  This keeps the answer actionable and aligned to Binomial expansion, rather than giving generic revision advice.

• Sequences exam tip 1

  Write the method before the answer so the examiner can follow each step. Apply this to d2 Work with sequences including those given by a formula for the nth term and those generated by a simple relation of the form x_(n+1) = f(x_n); work with increasing, decreasing and periodic sequences..

  This keeps the answer actionable and aligned to Sequences, rather than giving generic revision advice.

• Sigma notation exam tip 1

  Write the method before the answer so the examiner can follow each step. Apply this to d3 Understand and use sigma notation for sums of series..

  This keeps the answer actionable and aligned to Sigma notation, rather than giving generic revision advice.

• Arithmetic sequences and series exam tip 1

  Write the method before the answer so the examiner can follow each step. Apply this to d4 Understand and work with arithmetic sequences and series, including the formulae for nth term and the sum to n terms..

  This keeps the answer actionable and aligned to Arithmetic sequences and series, rather than giving generic revision advice.