specification overview
Pearson Edexcel International A-Level Further Mathematics (YFM01) is a modular qualification of 6 units, examined in January and June (with some applied units also in October). FP1 is compulsory plus either FP2 or FP3, then four optional units chosen from FP2, FP3, Mechanics (M1-M3), Statistics (S1-S3) and Decision Mathematics (D1). IAS is claimed on completion of 3 units; IAL on all six.
subject content
1. Further Pure Mathematics 1 (FP1)
Unit FP1 (WFM01)- Complex numbers, matrices
- Roots of polynomial equations, series
2. Further Pure Mathematics 2 (FP2)
Unit FP2 (WFM02)- Inequalities, series, further complex numbers
- First and second order differential equations, Maclaurin and Taylor series, polar coordinates
3. Further Pure Mathematics 3 (FP3)
Unit FP3 (WFM03)- Further coordinate systems, vectors, further matrix algebra
- Hyperbolic functions, differentiation, integration
4. Mechanics 1-3 (options)
Units M1-M3 (WME01-WME03)- Momentum and impulse, work-energy, elastic strings
- Circular motion, further dynamics
5. Statistics 1-3 (options)
Units S1-S3 (WST01-WST03)- Continuous distributions, hypothesis tests
- Correlation and regression, non-parametric tests
6. Decision Mathematics 1 (option)
Unit D1 (WDM11)- Algorithms, algorithms on graphs, critical path analysis
- Linear programming
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unit FP1 (Further Pure Mathematics 1) | Complex numbers, matrices, roots of polynomials, series | 1h 30m | 75 | 16.67% IAL / 33.33% IAS | Structured questions |
| Unit FP2 (Further Pure Mathematics 2) | Inequalities, series, further complex numbers, first and second order differential equations, Maclaurin and Taylor series, polar coordinates | 1h 30m | 75 | 16.67% IAL | Structured questions |
| Unit FP3 (Further Pure Mathematics 3) | Hyperbolic functions, further coordinate systems, differentiation, integration, vectors, further matrix algebra | 1h 30m | 75 | 16.67% IAL | Structured questions |
| Units M1-M3 (Mechanics options, WME01-WME03) | Mechanics: momentum, elastic strings, circular motion, further dynamics | 1h 30m | 75 | 16.67% IAL each | Structured questions |
| Units S1-S3 (Statistics options, WST01-WST03) | Statistics: continuous distributions, hypothesis tests, correlation, non-parametric tests | 1h 30m | 75 | 16.67% IAL each | Structured questions |
| Unit D1 (Decision Mathematics 1, WDM11) | Algorithms, graphs, critical path analysis, linear programming | 1h 30m | 75 | 16.67% IAL | Structured questions |
The qualification is modular. Units are sat separately across January, June and October series. Different combinations of applied units (FM/FS) are permitted; check the spec for allowed combinations.
assessment objectives
| AO | What it means | Overall |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Recall, select and use knowledge of mathematical facts, concepts and techniques. | Minimum 30% |
| AO2 | Construct rigorous mathematical arguments and proofs. | Minimum 30% |
| AO3 | Recall, select and use knowledge of standard mathematical models to represent situations in the real world. | Minimum 10% |
| AO4 | Comprehend translations of common realistic contexts into mathematics. | Minimum 5% |
| AO5 | Use contemporary calculator technology and other permitted resources accurately and efficiently. | Minimum 5% |
key tips for success
Take International A-Level Maths alongside
Further Maths assumes International A-Level Maths content. Ideally sit both together, planning unit staging carefully.
Plan your unit staging
Units are examined in January and June, with some applied units also available in October. Check which series your units are offered in, then decide what goes where so you're not cramming several at once.
Master complex numbers
Complex numbers appear in FP1 and FP2. Learn De Moivre's theorem, exponential form and geometric interpretation until automatic.
Practise second-order ODEs for FP2
FP2 tests first and second order linear differential equations. Learn complementary function + particular integral, boundary conditions and modelling applications.
Choose M/S/D combination strategically
Applied unit combinations depend on your target degree: Mechanics (M1-M3) for physics/engineering, Statistics (S1-S3) for economics/data science, Decision (D1) for computer science.
Know the difference between IAS and IAL
3 units make up the International Advanced Subsidiary (IAS). All 6 units give you the full IAL.
Where to next
Start your learning journey today...
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