Algebra
2 marksSolve 3x + 7 = 22
3x = 22 - 7 = 15M1x = 5A1M1: Correct rearrangement (subtract 7 from both sides)
A1: Correct answer following from correct method
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Every mark matters. Understanding how Cambridge awards M, A, and B marks means you can pick up marks even when you are not sure of the final answer.
Awarded for using the correct mathematical method or approach. You earn this mark for showing the right steps, even if your arithmetic is wrong.
Writing 'Area = pi x r^2' and substituting correctly earns M1, even if you miscalculate the final number.
Awarded for getting the correct answer after a valid method. An A mark depends on earning the preceding M mark first.
Getting x = 5 after correctly rearranging the equation earns A1. But A1 is only awarded if M1 was earned first.
Awarded for a correct answer that does not depend on any method. Often used for recall, reading values, or stating facts.
Writing '0.345 = 3.45 x 10^(-1)' in standard form earns B1 with no method mark needed.
See exactly how marks are awarded across the IGCSE syllabus.
Solve 3x + 7 = 22
3x = 22 - 7 = 15M1x = 5A1M1: Correct rearrangement (subtract 7 from both sides)
A1: Correct answer following from correct method
Calculate the area of a circle with radius 5 cm. Give your answer to 3 significant figures.
Area = pi x r^2M1= pi x 5^2 = pi x 25M1= 78.5 cm^2A1M1: Correct formula identified
M1: Correct substitution of values
A1: Correct answer with units, rounded to 3 s.f.
Calculate the mean of 4, 7, 9, 12, 18.
Sum = 4 + 7 + 9 + 12 + 18 = 50M1Mean = 50 / 5 = 10A1M1: Adding all values together
A1: Dividing by the correct number of values
Write 0.00345 in standard form.
3.45 x 10^(-3)B1B1: Independent mark — correct standard form with no method required
Share 180 in the ratio 2:3:4.
Total parts = 2 + 3 + 4 = 9M1One part = 180 / 9 = 20M140, 60, 80A1M1: Finding total number of parts
M1: Finding the value of one part
A1: All three correct values
Two fair dice are rolled. Find the probability that the total is 7.
Total outcomes = 6 x 6 = 36M1Favourable: (1,6)(2,5)(3,4)(4,3)(5,2)(6,1) = 6M1P(total = 7) = 6/36 = 1/6A1M1: Identifying total sample space
M1: Listing or counting favourable outcomes
A1: Correct probability in simplest form
Avoid these errors and you will pick up marks other students drop.
Writing only the final answer with no working
Marks lost: All method marks (M1, M2, etc.)
Fix: Write every algebraic or arithmetic step, even if it seems obvious.
Crossing out correct working
Marks lost: Crossed-out work is not marked
Fix: If you change your mind, put a single line through old work and write new work below.
Using the given answer in a "Show that" question
Marks lost: All marks — circular reasoning
Fix: Start from the other side and work towards the given answer step by step.
Rounding intermediate steps
Marks lost: Accuracy mark (A1) — premature rounding
Fix: Keep full precision until the final step, then round as instructed.
Skipping the formula or substitution step
Marks lost: Method mark for formula identification
Fix: Always write the formula first, then show your substitution, then calculate.
Not giving units in the final answer
Marks lost: Often the accuracy mark (A1)
Fix: Check the question for units (cm, kg, degrees, etc.) and include them.
Even when you are unsure of the final answer, these habits earn marks.
Even if you cannot finish, writing the correct formula or first step earns M1. A blank answer always scores 0.
For any "Calculate" question, writing the relevant formula (e.g., Area = 1/2 x b x h) is usually worth M1.
After the formula, show your values plugged in as a separate line. This earns another M1 in many mark schemes.
Examiners scan quickly. One clear step per line makes it easy to award method marks.
If you got part (a) wrong but used your wrong answer correctly in part (b), you can still earn full marks in part (b). This is called "follow-through" marking.
Crossed-out work cannot be marked. If you are unsure, leave your working visible and write your new attempt below.
Our structured practice questions let you enter your working step by step and see which method marks you would earn.