IGCSE Math RevisionPearson Edexcel International GCSE Mathematics A (4MA1) · Foundation tier
Edexcel IGCSE Maths 4MA1 Foundation: notes and questions
Free revision for the Foundation tier of Edexcel International GCSE Maths A: what Papers 1F and 2F look like, revision notes for every Foundation sub-topic with a worked example, and exam-style questions with mark schemes and worked solutions. Pick a topic area below.
- 35 sub-topics in 6 areas
- Papers 1F and 2F
- Grades 5–1
- 420 practice questions
Foundation topics
1. Number
Number notes · Number questions
1.1 Integers · 1.2 Fractions · 1.3 Decimals · 1.4 Powers and roots · 1.5 Set language and notation · 1.6 Percentages · 1.7 Ratio and proportion · 1.8 Degree of accuracy · 1.9 Standard form · 1.10 Applying number · 1.11 Electronic calculators
2. Algebra
Algebra notes · Algebra questions
2.1 Use of symbols · 2.2 Algebraic manipulation · 2.3 Expressions and formulae · 2.4 Linear equations · 2.6 Simultaneous linear equations · 2.7 Quadratic equations · 2.8 Inequalities
3. Sequences and Graphs
Sequences and Graphs notes · Sequences and Graphs questions
4. Geometry and Trigonometry
Geometry and Trigonometry notes · Geometry and Trigonometry questions
4.1 Angles, lines and triangles · 4.2 Polygons · 4.3 Symmetry · 4.4 Measures · 4.5 Construction · 4.6 Circle properties · 4.7 Geometrical reasoning · 4.8 Trigonometry and Pythagoras' theorem · 4.9 Mensuration of 2D shapes · 4.10 3D shapes and volume · 4.11 Similarity
5. Transformations
Transformations notes · Transformations questions
6. Statistics and Probability
Statistics and Probability notes · Statistics and Probability questions
6.1 Graphical representation of data · 6.2 Statistical measures · 6.3 Probability
The Foundation papers
| Paper | Time | Marks | Weighting | Grades | Calculator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1F | 2 hours | 100 | 50% | 5–1 | Yes |
| 2F | 2 hours | 100 | 50% | 5–1 | Yes |
A Foundation Tier formulae sheet (Appendix 4) is included in the examinations. Each paper has approximately equal marks for each of the targeted grades 5 to 1. About 40% of questions are targeted at grades 5 and 4 across papers 1F and 1H (and across 2F and 2H), so Foundation and Higher share some questions. Source: the official 4MA1 specification (Issue 2, November 2017).
Foundation or Higher?
Higher papers 1H and 2H target grades 9 to 4 (with a 3 allowed) and assume all of the Foundation content. These whole sub-topics are on Higher only: proportion (direct and inverse proportion with algebra (y ∝ x², y ∝ 1/x …)); function notation (functions, domain and range, composite and inverse functions); calculus (differentiation, stationary points and kinematics); vectors (vector notation, arithmetic, magnitude and vector proofs). On the shared sub-topics, each notes section says what Higher adds.
Taking Higher? Use the 4MA1 Higher revision notes and Higher questions by topic.
How this site covers Foundation
- Notes and questions: free on these pages, for all 35 sub-topics.
- Practice: 420 original Foundation questions on the 4MA1 practice pages, with the Foundation filter (for example Unit 1 Number). Each was re-solved independently before publishing.
- Path to 5: a four-step ladder through the Foundation sub-topics, with a short quiz of Foundation questions for each step (Path to 5, the Foundation version of Path to 9).
- Teachers: a two-year Foundation scheme of work with weekly starters, and Skill Builders, homework and cover lessons that keep to Foundation questions for a class on the Foundation plan. See for teachers.
- Past papers: Edexcel IGCSE Maths 4MA1 past papers.
Questions about 4MA1 Foundation
What is the 4MA1 Foundation tier?
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Mathematics A (4MA1) is taken at Foundation or Higher tier. Foundation is two papers, 1F and 2F, each 2 hours and 100 marks, worth half of the qualification each. A calculator may be used in both, a Foundation formulae sheet is given, and the grades available are 5–1. Exams are in January and June.
Should I take Foundation or Higher?
Foundation's top grade is 5; Higher papers (1H and 2H) target grades 9 to 4, with a 3 allowed. Higher assumes all of the Foundation content and adds more. Your teacher decides the entry; if you are aiming for grade 6 or above you need Higher.
What is on Higher but not on Foundation?
Whole sub-topics only on Higher: proportion (direct and inverse proportion with algebra (y ∝ x², y ∝ 1/x …)); function notation (functions, domain and range, composite and inverse functions); calculus (differentiation, stationary points and kinematics); vectors (vector notation, arithmetic, magnitude and vector proofs). Many shared sub-topics also have Higher-only parts, such as surds, harder bounds and the circle theorems; each sub-topic on our notes pages says what Higher adds.
Can I practise Foundation questions here?
Yes. 420 original Foundation questions, written for this site with mark schemes and worked solutions, are on the 4MA1 practice pages: turn on the Foundation filter. Three questions per sub-topic and a worked example are free on these pages; the full practice comes with the IGCSE plan, with a free preview. Teachers can run a class on the Foundation plan with starters, homework and Skill Builders.
Is this site part of Pearson?
No. IGCSE Math Revision is an independent revision site; the board name is used only to describe the qualification covered.