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Edexcel IGCSE Maths January 2021 Paper 2F: question paper and mark scheme (4MA1)

Foundation tier Paper 2F, sat in January 2021, with 2 versions (2F and 2FR): 2 h, 100 marks, calculator allowed. The buttons open Pearson's own files.

The official paper and mark scheme

Sit it under exam conditions: open the paper, press Start timer, press Finish when time is up, then mark it against the mark scheme.

Try 3 4MA1 questions like these

Written and checked by us, not taken from the Pearson paper. Tap "Worked answer" to see every step.

  1. Algebraic manipulation · 2 marks

    Expand and simplify \((x + 3)(x + 7)\)

    Worked answer
    1. Multiply every term in the first bracket by every term in the second: x × x = x², x × 7 = 7x, 3 × x = 3x, 3 × 7 = 21.
    2. Collect like terms: 7x + 3x = 10x.

    Answer: \(x^2 + 10x + 21\)

  2. Sequences · 2 marks

    Find an expression for the \(n\)th term of the sequence \(7, \ 10, \ 13, \ 16, \ \ldots\)

    Worked answer
    1. The common difference is 3, so the nth term starts 3n.
    2. When n = 1, 3n = 3; the first term is 7, so add 4: 3n + 4.

    Answer: \(3n + 4\)

  3. Geometrical reasoning · 2 marks

    In triangle \(ABC\), angle \(A = 48°\) and angle \(B = 67°\). The side \(BC\) is extended to a point \(D\).

    Work out the size of angle \(ACD\). Give a reason.

    Worked answer
    1. The exterior angle ACD equals angle A + angle B = 48 + 67 = 115°.
    2. (Or: angle ACB = 180 − 48 − 67 = 65°, and 180 − 65 = 115° on the straight line.)

    Answer: \(115°\) (exterior angle of a triangle = sum of the interior opposite angles)

More on these topics: Algebraic manipulation · Sequences · Geometrical reasoning

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What this paper covers

Both Foundation tier papers can test the whole 4MA1 specification at Foundation level:

We haven't mapped this paper question by question yet, so here are our revision units for the whole specification. Each opens the practice for that unit.

Formula booklet

International GCSE Mathematics A formulae sheet (Higher tier) · Pearson Edexcel · 4MA1 specification, Appendix 5 (current)

4MA1 has no separate booklet: the Higher tier formulae sheet is printed inside every exam paper and in Appendix 5 of the specification (the link).

Official booklet (opens in a new tab)Our one-page formula sheet (IGCSE 4MA1)

Paper 2F in other series

Same series

All 4MA1 Foundation past papers →

Keep revising

4MA1 Higher past papers

Questions students ask

Where is the January 2021 Paper 2F mark scheme?

The mark scheme button above opens Pearson's own copy.

What are the grade boundaries for 4MA1 January 2021?

Pearson publishes the official boundaries for every series on its grade boundaries page (opens in a new tab). They are set for the qualification (both papers together), so we link there rather than quote them.

What is the difference between 1F and 1FR?

R papers are the version sat in some time zones. They follow the same specification, length and mark scheme style, so both are good practice.