Edexcel IGCSE Maths November 2023 Paper 2H: question paper and mark scheme (4MA1)

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. Indices and Standard Form

   Evaluate \(32^{\frac{3}{5}}\).

   Worked answer

   1. The denominator 5 means fifth root: \(\sqrt[5]{32}=2\).
   2. Then cube: \(2^3=8\).

   Answer: 8

2. Completing the Square

   Write \(3x^2+12x-5\) in the form \(a(x+b)^2+c\).

   Worked answer

   1. Factor 3 from the \(x\) terms: \(3(x^2+4x)-5\).
   2. \(x^2+4x=(x+2)^2-4\).
   3. \(3(x+2)^2-12-5=3(x+2)^2-17\).

   Answer: \(3(x+2)^2-17\)

3. Direct and Inverse Proportion

   \(y\) is directly proportional to \(x^2\). When \(x=5\), \(y=50\). Find \(y\) when \(x=8\).

   Worked answer

   1. \(y=kx^2\): \(50=25k\), so \(k=2\).
   2. \(y=2\times64=128\).

   Answer: 128

More on these topics: Indices and Standard Form · Completing the Square · Direct and Inverse Proportion

What this paper covers

Both Higher tier papers can test the whole 4MA1 specification:

• Numbers and the number system
• Equations, formulae and identities
• Sequences, functions and graphs
• Geometry and trigonometry
• Vectors and transformation geometry
• Statistics and probability

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.

• Number
• Algebra basics
• Equations & sequences
• Graphs & functions
• Geometry
• Statistics & probability
• Vectors & proof
• Calculus

What the examiners said about this paper

Summarised in our own words from the board's examiner report (Examiner Insights).

• 4MA1/2H: Compound interest and depreciation done as simple interest (Q7); Simultaneous equations with a quadratic (Q21); Similar shapes (Q23). Official examiner report ↗

Question-by-question topics, the top mistakes and what to focus on next →

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).