In short: Both 4024 papers are now 2 hours and 100 marks. Loci and matrices are gone. Thinkerzz covers the 2025 changes, formulas and accuracy rules.
What Is the Paper Structure for O Level Maths 4024?
Two papers, both 2 hours, both 100 marks, each weighted at 50 percent. That structure changed with the 2025 revision, so check any older source carefully.
| Feature | Paper 1 Non Calculator | Paper 2 Calculator |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 2 hours | 2 hours |
| Marks | 100 marks | 100 marks |
| Weighting | 50 percent | 50 percent |
| Calculator | Not allowed | Scientific calculator required |
| Question style | Structured and unstructured | Structured and unstructured |
| Content covered | All topics except using a calculator | All syllabus topics |
| Formula list | Provided on page 2 | Provided on page 2 |
Two changes matter most. Paper 1 rose from 80 to 100 marks, and Paper 2 dropped from 2 hours 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Bring geometrical instruments to both papers. A ruler, protractor and pair of compasses are required, and tracing paper can be requested during the exam.
Which Topics Were Added and Removed in 2025?
This section will save you weeks. The 2025 revision removed two whole topics and added two others, which changes how you use past papers.
| Change | Topic | What It Means for You |
|---|---|---|
| Removed | Loci | No longer examinable, so skip those questions |
| Removed | Matrices | No longer examinable, so skip those questions |
| Removed | Constructing perpendicular bisectors | Construction is now triangles and nets only |
| Removed | Constructing angle bisectors | Not required in the current syllabus |
| Added | Surds, including rationalising denominators | New for 2025, so older papers lack practice |
| Added | Exponential growth and decay | Appears in number and in graph questions |
| Added | Composite and inverse functions | Function notation is now examinable |
| Added | Alternate segment theorem | A circle theorem many older books omit |
What Do the Two Papers Actually Test?
Cambridge splits 4024 marks across two assessment objectives. The split explains why strong technique alone does not produce an A star.
| Assessment Objective | Share of Marks | Same in Both Papers |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 Knowledge and understanding of techniques | 40 to 50 percent | Yes |
| AO2 Analyse, interpret and communicate | 50 to 60 percent | Yes |
Read that split again carefully. More than half the marks reward analysis, strategy and clear communication rather than recalling a method.
What Are the Nine Syllabus Topics?
The 4024 content sits in nine topics. Knowing the weight each one carries in practice helps you prioritise a limited revision window.
| Topic | What It Covers | Where Students Lose Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Number | Indices, standard form, ratio, surds, bounds | Upper and lower bounds, surds |
| 2 Algebra and graphs | Factorising, equations, functions, sketching | Completing the square, composite functions |
| 3 Coordinate geometry | Gradient, midpoint, parallel and perpendicular lines | Perpendicular gradients and bisectors |
| 4 Geometry | Angles, polygons, circle theorems, similarity | Writing geometric reasons, not just answers |
| 5 Mensuration | Area, volume, surface area, compound solids | Frustums and parts of solids |
| 6 Trigonometry | Pythagoras, sine and cosine rules, 3D work | 3D problems and the ambiguous case |
| 7 Transformations and vectors | Reflections, enlargements, vector geometry | Describing transformations fully |
| 8 Probability | Tree diagrams, Venn diagrams, combined events | Without replacement questions |
| 9 Statistics | Averages, histograms, cumulative frequency | Frequency density and reading curves |
Which Formulas Are Given and Which Must You Memorise?
A list of formulas appears on page 2 of both papers. Cambridge states plainly that not all required formulas are given.
| Given on Page 2 | You Must Memorise |
|---|---|
| Area of a triangle | Area and perimeter of rectangle, parallelogram, trapezium |
| Area and circumference of a circle | Pythagoras theorem |
| Curved surface area of a cylinder and cone | Sine, cosine and tangent ratios |
| Surface area of a sphere | Gradient, midpoint and length of a line segment |
| Volume of prism, pyramid, cylinder, cone, sphere | Percentage, compound interest and reverse percentage |
| The quadratic formula | Speed, distance and time |
| Sine rule and cosine rule | Frequency density equals frequency divided by class width |
| Area of a triangle as half ab sin C | Magnitude of a vector |
What Are the Accuracy Rules That Cost Marks?
These rules appear in the syllabus, not in the mark scheme. Breaking them loses marks even when the mathematics is entirely correct.
| Situation | The Rule |
|---|---|
| Non exact numerical answers | Give 3 significant figures |
| Angles in degrees | Give 1 decimal place |
| Rounding during working | Never round until the final answer |
| Using an earlier answer later | Use the unrounded value |
| Value of pi | Use your calculator value or 3.142 |
| Answers exact to 4 or 5 figures | Do not round them at all |
| Proving a given answer | Show at least one extra degree of accuracy |
| Mixing fractions and decimals | Not acceptable within one answer |
| Form of the answer | Simplest form unless the question says otherwise |
Which Command Words Appear in 4024 Papers?
Mathematics uses a shorter command word list than the sciences. Two of them change how much working you need to show.
| Command Word | Official Cambridge Meaning |
|---|---|
| Work out | Calculate from given facts, with or without a calculator |
| Calculate | Work out from given facts, figures or information |
| Show (that) | Provide structured evidence leading to a given result |
| Write down | Give an answer without significant working |
| Determine | Establish with certainty |
| Explain | Set out reasons and make relationships clear, with evidence |
| Describe | State the points of a topic or give main features |
| Construct | Make an accurate drawing |
| Sketch | Make a simple freehand drawing showing key features |
| Plot | Mark points on a graph |
| State | Express in clear terms |
| Give | Produce an answer from a source or from memory |
How Should You Prepare for Paper 1 Without a Calculator?
Paper 1 is not a harder paper, it is a different skill. Arithmetic fluency decides how much time you have left for thinking.
- Recall squares and roots from 1 to 15, and cubes of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 10.
- Practise fraction arithmetic daily, including improper fractions and mixed numbers.
- Drill index rules until negative and fractional powers feel automatic.
- Work surds by hand, including rationalising the denominator.
- Leave answers in terms of pi where the question allows it.
- Estimate by rounding to 1 significant figure to sense check answers.
How Should You Prepare for Paper 2 With a Calculator?
Paper 2 rewards calculator discipline more than calculator speed. Most lost marks here come from entry errors and premature rounding.
- Check the angle mode is set to degrees before the first question.
- Store intermediate values in memory rather than rewriting rounded ones.
- Enter time correctly, since 2 hours 30 minutes is 2.5 hours.
- Read money answers properly, because 4.8 means four rupees eighty.
- Practise sine and cosine rule questions with full working shown.
- Use a scientific calculator only, since algebraic models are banned.
What Is the 12 Week 4024 Study Plan?
This plan covers all nine topics and introduces timed papers from week six. Adjust the pace, but keep the order intact.
| Weeks | Topic Focus | Paper Work |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1 to 2 | Number, indices, standard form, surds, bounds | Non calculator topical sets |
| Weeks 3 to 5 | Algebra, equations, inequalities, sequences, functions | Two topical sets weekly |
| Weeks 6 to 7 | Coordinate geometry and graphs of functions | One timed Paper 1 weekly |
| Weeks 8 to 9 | Geometry, circle theorems and mensuration | One timed Paper 2 weekly |
| Week 10 | Trigonometry, vectors and transformations | One paper of each type |
| Week 11 | Probability and statistics | One paper of each type |
| Week 12 | Error log, formulas and accuracy rules only | No new papers after day 5 |
Which Mistakes Cost the Most Marks in 4024?
These appear in almost every weak 4024 script. Each one is a habit rather than a gap in mathematical knowledge.
- Writing only the answer and losing every method mark available.
- Rounding partway through and forfeiting the accuracy mark.
- Giving angles to 3 significant figures instead of 1 decimal place.
- Answering geometry questions without writing the geometric reason.
- Practising loci and matrices from pre 2025 past papers.
- Hunting for formulas that were never on the page 2 list.
- Leaving the calculator in radian mode throughout Paper 2.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Are the O Level Maths 4024 Papers?
Both papers run 2 hours and carry 100 marks each. Paper 2 was shortened from 2 hours 30 minutes in the 2025 revision.
Are Calculators Allowed in O Level Maths 4024?
Paper 1 allows no calculator at all. Paper 2 requires a scientific calculator, and algebraic or graphical models are banned.
Which Topics Were Removed From 4024 in 2025?
Loci and matrices were both removed, along with constructing perpendicular and angle bisectors. They can no longer be examined.
Which New Topics Were Added to 4024?
Surds, exponential growth and decay, and composite and inverse functions. The alternate segment theorem was also added for 2025.
Is a Formula List Given in the Exam?
Yes, on page 2 of both papers. It does not include everything, so memorise Pythagoras, trigonometric ratios and percentage methods.
To How Many Figures Should I Round My Answers?
Three significant figures for non exact answers. Angles in degrees take 1 decimal place, unless a question states otherwise.
Do I Get Marks for Working if My Answer Is Wrong?
Yes. Method marks reward correct working, and the 2025 mark schemes award more marks for working than before.
What Instruments Do I Need for the Maths Papers?
A ruler, protractor and pair of compasses for both papers. Tracing paper can be requested during the exam but not brought in.
Can I Use Past Papers From Before 2025?
Yes, but filter them first. Cross out loci and matrices questions, and add separate practice for surds and functions.
Is Additional Mathematics 4037 the Same Subject?
No. Additional Mathematics 4037 is a separate optional syllabus intended for students already scoring high grades in 4024.
Ready to rebuild your O Level Maths 4024 marks?
Most 4024 marks are lost to method and accuracy, not to difficult mathematics. Thinkerzz Online Academy marks your working as an examiner would and rebuilds weak topics live, 1 to 1. Parents receive marked evidence every week. Chat with us on WhatsApp to book a free consultation.
