specification overview
Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics (0580) is a two-tier linear qualification (Core and Extended) with two papers per candidate: one non-calculator, one calculator. Core-tier candidates sit Paper 1 (non-calc, 1h 30m, 80 marks) + Paper 3 (calc, 1h 30m, 80 marks), each 50%. Extended-tier candidates sit Paper 2 (non-calc, 2h, 100 marks) + Paper 4 (calc, 2h, 100 marks), each 50%.
subject content
1. Number
All papers- Types of number, sets, powers and roots
- Fractions, decimals, percentages, ratio and proportion
- Standard form, estimation, upper and lower bounds
2. Algebra and graphs
All papers- Manipulation, factorisation, algebraic fractions
- Equations, inequalities, sequences
- Graphs of functions, function notation (Extended)
3. Coordinate geometry
All papers- Straight-line graphs, gradients
- Extended: parallel and perpendicular lines
4. Geometry
All papers- Angle properties, polygons, congruence and similarity
- Extended: circle theorems, transformations
5. Mensuration
All papers- Area and perimeter of common shapes
- Volume and surface area of solids
6. Trigonometry
All papers- Right-angled triangles (SOHCAHTOA)
- Extended: sine and cosine rules, non-right-angled triangles, 3D trig
7. Transformations and vectors
All papers- Vector notation and addition
- Extended: magnitude, vector geometry
8. Probability
All papers- Experimental and theoretical probability
- Extended: conditional probability, tree diagrams
9. Statistics
All papers- Data collection, presentation, interpretation
- Averages and spread
- Extended: cumulative frequency, histograms
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (Core, non-calculator) | Core content | 1h 30m | 80 | 50% | Structured and unstructured questions across all content areas. Non-calculator |
| Paper 2 (Extended, non-calculator) | Extended content | 2h | 100 | 50% | Structured and unstructured questions across all content areas. Non-calculator |
| Paper 3 (Core, calculator) | Core content | 1h 30m | 80 | 50% | Structured and unstructured questions across all content areas. Calculator permitted |
| Paper 4 (Extended, calculator) | Extended content | 2h | 100 | 50% | Structured and unstructured questions across all content areas. Calculator permitted |
Core-tier candidates sit Papers 1 (non-calc) + 3 (calc); Extended-tier candidates sit Papers 2 (non-calc) + 4 (calc). No mixing. Core grades C-G; Extended grades A*-E. Scientific calculators permitted on Papers 3 and 4.
assessment objectives
| AO | What it means | Overall |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Knowledge and understanding of mathematical techniques. | Extended 40-50% / Core 60-70% |
| AO2 | Analyse, interpret and communicate mathematically. | Extended 50-60% / Core 30-40% |
higher vs foundation
| Aspect | Foundation tier | Higher tier |
|---|---|---|
| Grades available | Core: C-G | Extended: A*-E |
| Papers sat | Papers 1 (non-calc) + 3 (calc) | Papers 2 (non-calc) + 4 (calc) |
| Content depth | Core content | Extended: adds circle theorems, sine/cosine rules, vector geometry, function notation |
| Extended paper length | Papers 1+3: 3h total | Papers 2+4: 4h total (more depth, more marks) |
key tips for success
Master non-calculator arithmetic
Papers 1 and 2 are non-calculator. Drill: long multiplication, long division, fractions, decimals, percentages, standard form.
Learn Extended-only content thoroughly
If Extended, learn the additional content: sine/cosine rules, circle theorems, 3D trig, vector geometry, function notation. This is where marks are won.
Practise multi-step structured questions
Papers 3 and 4 use structured and unstructured questions, often with multiple sub-parts. Practise following sub-parts through in order and using answers from earlier parts.
Learn key formulas
Cambridge provides some formulas but many must be memorised. Know: quadratic formula, sine/cosine rules, sphere volume, trigonometric ratios, circle formulas.
Practise past papers
Cambridge past papers are widely available. Do timed practice for your tier's papers. Extended candidates need stamina for 4h total exam time.
Watch pace on Paper 4
Paper 4 (Extended calculator) is 2h for 100 marks (roughly 1.2 minutes per mark). Practise timed past papers to build the required pace.
Where to next
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