Edexcel IGCSE Further Pure Mathematics Past Papers

Incorrect Assumptions in Coordinate Geometry

Many students assume a triangle is right-angled, isosceles, or equilateral when it is not specified in the question, often incorrectly applying Pythagoras’ Theorem or the tangent ratio.

Misapplying Logarithm and Exponential Laws

Common errors include writing ln(x+3) as lnx+ln3, misplacing powers (e.g., 3log4 as (log4)3), or failing to correctly raise a right-hand side as a power of e.

Missing Trigonometric Solutions or "Cancelling" Solutions

Students often divide both sides of a trigonometric equation by a function like cosθ or sin7θ. This effectively cancels out valid solutions where that function would equal zero. Additionally, many forget the "ambiguous case" of the sine rule, failing to provide the second obtuse/acute angle when required.

““ambiguous case”

Misidentifying Inequality Regions and Sign Reversals

When solving quadratic inequalities, students often find the correct "critical values" but struggle to identify the correct "inside" or "outside" region for the final answer. A recurring error is failing to flip the inequality sign when dividing or multiplying by a negative number.

““critical values”

Missing Constant of Integration and Substitution Evidence

Forgetting the +C in indefinite integration is a standard error that simplifies the problem's demand and caps your marks. In definite integration, students often omit the step showing the limits substituted into the expression.

Confusion Between Distance, Displacement, and Speed

In kinematics, students frequently treat distance and displacement as the same. They may give a negative displacement when asked for distance, or fail to integrate separate sections of motion where the particle changes direction