specification overview
Cambridge International A Level Mathematics (9709) is a two-year qualification made up of modular components. Students take Pure Mathematics 1 and 3, plus two applied components chosen from Mechanics and Probability & Statistics 1-2. Graded A*-E for the full A Level, with an AS Level route available.
subject content
1. Pure Mathematics 1 (P1)
Paper 1- Quadratics, functions, coordinate geometry
- Circular measure, trigonometry, series
- Differentiation, integration
2. Pure Mathematics 2 (P2)
Paper 2- Algebra, logarithmic and exponential functions
- Trigonometry, differentiation, integration
- Numerical solution of equations
3. Pure Mathematics 3 (P3)
Paper 3- Algebra, logarithms, exponentials
- Trigonometry (extended), differentiation and integration (extended)
- Numerical solution of equations, vectors, differential equations, complex numbers
4. Mechanics
Paper 4- Forces and equilibrium, kinematics of motion in a straight line
- Momentum, Newton's laws of motion, energy, work and power
5. Probability & Statistics 1 (S1)
Paper 5- Representation of data, permutations and combinations
- Probability, discrete random variables, normal distribution
6. Probability & Statistics 2 (S2)
Paper 6- Poisson distribution, linear combinations of random variables
- Continuous random variables, sampling and estimation, hypothesis tests
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (Pure Mathematics 1) | P1 content | 1h 50m | 75 | 60% of AS Level / 30% of A Level | 10-12 structured questions across P1 content |
| Paper 2 (Pure Mathematics 2) | P2 content (AS Level only, Pure Mathematics only route) | 1h 15m | 50 | 40% of AS Level | 6-8 structured questions across P2 content |
| Paper 3 (Pure Mathematics 3) | P3 content (A Level, assumes P1) | 1h 50m | 75 | 30% of A Level | 9-11 structured questions across P3 content |
| Paper 4 (Mechanics) | Mechanics content | 1h 15m | 50 | 40% of AS Level / 20% of A Level | 6-8 structured mechanics questions |
| Paper 5 (Probability & Statistics 1) | Probability & Statistics 1 content | 1h 15m | 50 | 40% of AS Level / 20% of A Level | 6-8 structured statistics questions |
| Paper 6 (Probability & Statistics 2) | Probability & Statistics 2 content (A Level) | 1h 15m | 50 | 20% of A Level | 6-8 structured statistics questions |
AS Level routes: P1+P2 (Pure only, cannot progress to A Level), P1+P4, or P1+P5. Full A Level requires P1 + P3 plus either (P4 + P5) or (P5 + P6). Paper 4 + Paper 6 is not permitted because P6 depends on P5 content.
assessment objectives
| AO | What it means | Overall |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Knowledge and understanding of mathematical concepts, terminology, notation and manipulative techniques. | 55% AS / 52% A Level |
| AO2 | Application of mathematical procedures and skills to solve problems, and communication of clear, logical mathematical reasoning. | 45% AS / 48% A Level |
key tips for success
Master P1 first
P1 underpins everything else, you can't do P3, Mechanics or S1 without solid P1. Spend most of year 1 nailing P1 before moving on.
Choose applied combination strategically
P4+P5 gives broad coverage (mechanics and statistics). P5+P6 is best for economics/data science paths. Confirm your school's chosen combination.
Learn complex numbers for P3
P3 introduces complex numbers, alongside vectors and differential equations. Learn Argand diagrams and geometric interpretation early.
Practise differential equations
P3 includes first-order differential equations. Practise separation of variables and applying boundary conditions.
Know the calculator rules
Cambridge permits scientific calculators but not graphical for these papers. Check the calculator rules in the syllabus before your exam.
Use the formula booklet strategically
Cambridge provides a formula booklet. Know what's included so you don't waste time deriving standard results.
Where to next
Start your learning journey today...
Practise with Cognito's free past papers for this spec – or browse grade boundaries and related specifications.
