Edexcel A-level Further Maths (9FM0): papers, options and grade boundaries

Edexcel A-level Further Maths papers at a glance

The specification is the Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Further Mathematics (issue 4, June 2023). It builds on the whole GCSE content and on the AS and A level Mathematics content. You must answer all questions on every paper, and calculators can be used. All assessment is in May/June of a single year.

The optional papers

There are eight optional papers, in pairs: 3A and 4A Further Pure Mathematics 1 and 2, 3B and 4B Further Statistics 1 and 2, 3C and 4C Further Mechanics 1 and 2, and 3D and 4D Decision Mathematics 1 and 2. You take either any two Option 1 (3A to 3D) papers, or a matching pair of Option 1 and Option 2 papers, which makes ten different pairs.

Worked examples in Edexcel style

Further algebra: roots of a cubic

The roots α, β and γ of 2x³ − 5x² + 3x − 7 = 0 satisfy α + β + γ = 5/2 and αβ + βγ + γα = 3/2. Then:

Complex numbers: modulus and argument

Let z = 1 + i√3. Then |z| = 2 and arg z = π/3. Using de Moivre's theorem:

Differential equations: an integrating factor

Solve dy/dx + 2y = e⁻ˣ. The integrating factor is e^(2x), so (y e^(2x))′ = e^x, which gives:

Try one on the page:

Edexcel A-level Further Maths grade boundaries

These are Pearson's overall A level boundaries from its document "Grade boundaries: Edexcel GCE AS/A Level, June 2026". Each figure is the minimum mark, out of 300, at which a grade can be achieved. Pearson reports one set of boundaries for each option pair, because the pairs have different papers.

The A* boundary ranged from 262 to 275 and the A boundary from 236 to 251 across the ten pairs, so the pair you take can shift the boundary by more than 10 marks.

How Edexcel Further Maths differs from AQA

AQA A-level Further Maths (7367) has three 2-hour, 100-mark papers: two compulsory papers and a Paper 3 with two booklets from mechanics, statistics and discrete mathematics. Edexcel has four 1 hour 30 minute papers, two Core Pure and two options, with eight option papers. See theAQA A-level Further Maths guide.

Use the daily paper as a short timed mock

Uni-Sine publishes a free daily paper on theA-level Further Mathstrack. It is a short timed paper of 8 questions worth 25 to 35 marks, not a full Edexcel paper, and it is not written by Pearson. It covers complex numbers, polynomial roots, series, induction, hyperbolic functions, matrices, polar coordinates, differential equations and volumes of revolution, which is mostly Core Pure. It does not cover the optional papers.

Common mistakes in Edexcel A-level Further Maths

• Sign errors with roots of polynomials, especially the −b/a and −d/a rules.
• Not simplifying a modulus or giving the wrong argument quadrant.

Exam answers

The answers and a worked mark scheme come with today's paper once it is marked. We do not publish official or past paper answers. Every question on the daily paper is our own.

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UK · A-levelEdexcel A-level Further Maths formula bookletThe Edexcel A-level Further Maths formula booklet for 9FM0: the pure results, what else is on it, what is not, and worked examples of using it.