Cambridge O Level Additional Mathematics Syllabus
Cambridge O Level Additional Mathematics Syllabus
Syllabus overview
Assessment overview
All candidates take two components. Candidates will be eligible for grades A* to E.
Candidates should have a scientific calculator for Paper 2. Please see the Cambridge Handbook at
www.cambridgeinternational.org/eoguide for guidance on use of calculators in the examinations.
Calculators are not allowed for Paper 1.
Assessment objectives
The assessment objectives (AOs) are:
Total 100
Paper 1 Paper 2
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, such as surds and indices, 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 m s–1 for 5 metres per second.
A List of formulas is provided on page 2 of the examination papers for candidates to refer to during the
examinations. Please note that not all required formulas are given; the ‘Notes and examples’ column of the
subject content will indicate where a formula is given in the examination papers and when a formula is not
given i.e. knowledge of a formula is required.
Formulas for:
• curved surface area of a cone
• surface area of a sphere
• volume of a pyramid or a cone
• volume of a sphere
• sine rule
• cosine rule
• area of a non-right-angled triangle (no diagram is given in the List of formulas)
are also given in the List of formulas to assist candidates in the examinations.
Syllabus content
1 Functions
1.2 Find the domain and range of functions. Includes inverse functions and composite functions.
The domain of f may need to be restricted for
f –1 and/or gf to exist.
Domain gf ⊆ Domain f
Range gf ⊆ Range g
1 Functions (continued)
1.4 Understand the relationship between If f(x) is trigonometric it will be one of the following:
y = f(x) and y = |f(x)|, where f(x) may be linear,
• y = a sin bx + c
quadratic, cubic or trigonometric.
• y = a cos bx + c
• y = a tan bx + c
where a is a positive integer, b is a simple fraction
or integer, and c is an integer. Fractions will have a
denominator of 2, 3, 4, 6 or 8 only.
1.6 Find the inverse of a one–one function. Correct notation must be used. For example:
• f(x) = e2x
1
• f –1(x) = ln x
2
1.7 Form and use composite functions. Understand that order of functions is important, i.e.
fg may not be the same as gf .
1.8 Use sketch graphs to show the relationship Understand that each function is the reflection of the
between a function and its inverse. other in the line y = x.
2 Quadratic functions
2.2 Use the maximum or minimum value of f(x) to Candidates should use correct notation to write a
sketch the graph of y = f(x) or determine the domain or range.
range for a given domain.
2.3 Know the conditions for f(x) = 0 to have: Understand how the discriminant relates to the roots
(i) two real roots of the equation.
(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.
Back to contents page www.cambridgeinternational.org/olevel 12
Cambridge O Level Additional Mathematics 4037 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Subject content
2.4 Solve quadratic equations for real roots. Formula is given in the List of formulas.
Students are expected to be able to use
factorisation, the quadratic formula and completing
the square.
On the calculator paper, correct answers are
acceptable without working.
2.5 Find the solution set for quadratic inequalities Solutions should be written in the correct form. For
either graphically or algebraically. example:
• –3 < x < 4
• x < 1 or x > 6
3 Factors of polynomials
3.2 Find factors of polynomials. For a cubic polynomial, students are first expected
to obtain a product of a linear factor and a quadratic
factor, for example by observation or by algebraic
long division.
4.1 Solve equations of the type For graphical solutions, an accurate graph is
• |ax + b| = c (c ⩾ 0) expected.
• |ax + b| = cx + d For algebraic methods, any valid method is
acceptable.
• |ax + b| = |cx + d|
• |ax2 + bx + c| = d
using algebraic or graphical methods.
4.2 Solve graphically or algebraically inequalities For graphical solutions, an accurate graph is
of the type expected.
• k|ax + b| > c (c ⩾ 0) For algebraic methods, any valid method is
• k|ax + b| ⩽ c (c > 0) acceptable.
• k|ax + b| ⩽ |cx + d|
where k > 0
• |ax + b| ⩽ cx + d
• |ax2 + bx + c| > d
• |ax2 + bx + c| ⩽ d
4.4 Sketch the graphs of cubic polynomials and The points of intersection of the graph with the
their moduli, when given as a product of three coordinate axes should be clearly labelled.
linear factors.
5 Simultaneous equations
6.1 Know and use simple properties and graphs Logarithms may be given to any base.
of the logarithmic and exponential functions, Understand that f(x) = ex and g(x) = 1n x are each
including ln x and ex. the inverse of the other.
Understand the asymptotic nature of the graphs
of logarithmic and exponential functions. State the
equations of any asymptotes.
Graphs are limited to y = kenx + a and
y = k ln(ax + b) where n, k, a and b are integers.
Series expansions are not required.
7 Straight-line graphs
8.1 Know and use the equation of a circle with Identify the centre and radius of a circle using a circle
radius r and centre (a, b). equation in any form.
For example:
• (x – a)2 + (y – b)2 = r2
• x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0
Formula is given in the List of formulas.
8.2 Solve problems involving the intersection of a Includes finding points of intersection.
circle and a straight line. Includes determining whether a straight line:
• is a tangent
• is a chord
• does not intersect the circle.
8.3 Solve problems involving tangents to a circle. Includes finding equations of tangents.
No use of calculus is expected.
8.4 Solve problems involving the intersection of Includes finding points of intersection, finding the
two circles. equation of a common chord or determining whether
two circles:
• intersect
• touch
• do not intersect.
9 Circular measure
9.1 Solve problems involving the arc length and Use of radian measure is expected in the solution of
sector area of a circle, including knowledge problems which may involve compound shapes.
and use of radian measure. Formulas are not given.
10 Trigonometry
10.1 Know and use the six trigonometric functions sine, cosine, tangent, secant, cosecant, cotangent
of angles of any magnitude.
10.2 Understand and use the amplitude and For example: y = sin x and y = 3sin 2x
period of a trigonometric function, including The period may be in either degrees or radians.
the relationship between graphs of related
trigonometric functions.
10.3 Draw and use the graphs of Graphs will be drawn over a given domain which
y = a sin bx + c may be in either degrees or radians.
y = a cos bx + c For a graph of y = a tan bx + c, the x-coordinate of
any asymptote should be clearly labelled.
y = a tan bx + c
Fractions will have a denominator of 2, 3, 4, 6 or 8
where a is a positive integer, b is a simple
only.
fraction or integer, and c is an integer.
10.4 Use the relationships: Trigonometric identities are given in the List of
2 2 formulas.
• sin A + cos A = 1
• sec2 A = 1 + tan2 A
• cosec2 A = 1 + cot2 A
10 Trigonometry (continued)
10.5 Solve, for a given domain, trigonometric Includes the use of the relationships in 10.4.
equations involving the six trigonometric For example:
functions.
• 4 cot θ = tan θ
• 2 sec2 θ + tan θ – 3 = 0
i i
• 5 sin + 2 cos =0
3 3
10.6 Prove trigonometric relationships involving the Includes the use of the relationships in 10.4.
six trigonometric functions. For example:
• sin x tan x + cos x = sec x
sin i 1 + cos i
• + = 2 cosec θ
1 + cos i sin i
11.3 Solve problems on arrangement and selection Problems will be either in an everyday context or
using permutations or combinations. based on an algebraic problem.
Problems involving:
• repetition of objects
• objects arranged in a circle
• both permutations and combinations,
are not included.
12 Series
12.1 Use the binomial theorem for expansion of Includes simplification of coefficients.
(a + b)n for positive integer n. Formula is given in the List of formulas.
12.4 Use the formulas for the nth term and for the Problems may be in context.
sum of the first n terms to solve problems Formulas are given in the List of formulas.
involving arithmetic or geometric progressions.
12.5 Use the condition for the convergence of a Includes explaining why a particular geometric
geometric progression, and the formula for progression has or does not have a sum to infinity.
the sum to infinity of a convergent geometric Formula is given in the List of formulas.
progression.
13.1 Understand and use vector notation. Vectors will be given in any form including:
JaN
KK OO , AB , p, ai – bj
LbP
Candidates are expected to use correct vector
notation.
13.2 Know and use position vectors and unit For example:
vectors. a
The unit vector in the same direction as a is .
a
13.4 Compose and resolve velocities. Determine a resultant vector by adding two or more
vectors together.
Includes the use of a velocity vector to determine
position and solve problems in context such as
particles colliding.
14 Calculus
No formulas will be given in the List of formulas for the Calculus section.
14.1 Understand the idea of a derived function. Only an informal understanding of the idea of a limit
is expected, and the technique of differentiation from
first principles is not required.
14.3 Know and use the derivatives of the standard Includes constant multiples, sums and composite
functions xn (for any rational n), sin x, cos x, functions (use of chain rule).
tan x, ex, ln x.
For example, differentiate `3x 2 + 4j .
1
3
14.6 Use differentiation to find stationary points. Points of inflexion are not included.
14.9 Use the first and second derivative tests to Points of inflexion are not included.
discriminate between maxima and minima. Full justification of conclusions is expected.
An explanation of how to distinguish between a
maximum point and a minimum point may be
required.
Unless specified otherwise, any valid method is
allowed.
14.10 Understand integration as the reverse process Solutions for indefinite integrals should include an
of differentiation. arbitrary constant.
14.11 Integrate sums of terms in powers of x, Solutions for indefinite integrals should include an
1 1 arbitrary constant.
including and .
x ax + b
14 Calculus (continued)
14.12 Integrate functions of the form: Includes the case where n = –1.
n
• (ax + b) for any rational n For trigonometric functions angles will always be in
• sin (ax + b) radians.
• cos (ax + b) Solutions for indefinite integrals should include an
arbitrary constant.
• sec2 (ax + b)
• eax+b
Grades A* to E will be available for candidates who achieve the required standards. Candidates who do not
achieve the minimum mark for grade E will be unclassified.
Paper 1
Written paper, 2 hours, 80 marks
Use of a calculator is not allowed.
Candidates answer all questions.
Structured and unstructured questions.
This paper consists of questions based on any part of the content.
This is a compulsory component for all candidates.
This written paper is an externally set assessment, marked by Cambridge.
Paper 2
Written paper, 2 hours, 80 marks
A scientific calculator is required.
Candidates answer all questions.
Structured and unstructured questions.
This paper consists of questions based on any part of the content.
This is a compulsory component for all candidates.
This written paper is an externally set assessment, marked by Cambridge.
List of formulas
Equation of a circle with centre (a, b) and radius r. (x – a)2 + (y – b)2 = r2
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
a b c
Formulas for ∆ABC = =
sin A sin B sin C
a2 = b2 + c2 – 2bc cos A
1
∆= ab sin C
2
Mathematical conventions
Mathematics is a universal language where there are some similarities and differences around the world.
The guidance below outlines the conventions that are used in Cambridge examinations, and we encourage
candidates to follow these conventions.
Communicating mathematically
• If candidates are asked to show their working, or show that a given result is true, they cannot gain full
marks without clearly communicating and fully justifying their method.
1
• A numerical answer should not be given as a combination of fractions and decimals, e.g. is not
0.2
acceptable.
• When asked to ‘simplify’, the candidate must simplify fully.
• When asked to ‘factorise’, the candidate must factorise fully.
Accuracy
• Answers are expected to be given in their simplest form unless the question states otherwise.
• Where a question asks for ‘exact values’ the answer may need to be given in terms of π, e, natural
logarithms, surds or a combination of these, depending on the question.
• Where answers are not exact values:
– angles in degrees should be given to at least one decimal place
– all other values should be given to at least three significant figures
unless a different accuracy is defined in the question.
• Answers that are exact to four or five significant figures should not be rounded unless the question states
otherwise.
• In order to obtain an answer correct to an appropriate degree of accuracy, a higher degree of accuracy will
often be needed within the working.
• If a question asks to prove or show a given answer to a specified degree of accuracy, candidates must
show full working, intermediate answers and the final answer to at least one degree of accuracy more than
that asked for.
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.
Describe state the points of a topic / give characteristics and main features
Explain set out purposes or reasons / make the relationships between things clear / say why
and/or how and support with relevant evidence
Work out calculate from given facts, figures or information with or without the use of a calculator