Algebra is a major topic on the first paper, accounting for the first two questions and usually a part of question 5. The abilities learned while studying algebra are used throughout the maths course.
Complex numbers and matrices Complex numbers deal with the so-called 'imaginary unit', i, which stands for the square root of -1.
Sequences and Series This is quite a varied topic, ranging from sequences, series and limits to the Binomial Theorem, binomial expansions and proof by induction.
Differentiation One of the most important, and interesting, topics on the course is differentiation, or differential calculus, which is one of the two branches of what is known as 'the calculus'.
Integration is the second half of the topic known as calculus. Although integration is the reverse of differentiation, completely different methods are used to calculate integrals from those used in differentiation.
The Line and Transformations Question 3 on Paper Two is concerned with both of these topics, which are connected in that they both deal with the Cartesian plane. The basic methods and formulae of co-ordinate geometry will be familiar.
Vectors Question 2 on Paper Two deals with the topic of Vectors. Traditionally, this has been viewed as one of the more straightforward questions, and one of the shorter topics.
The Circle Co-ordinate geometry of the circle (or simply 'The Circle') is the second of the co-ordinate topics on the course. It is assumed that students studying The Circle have an adequate working knowledge of the ideas from The Line.
Trigonometry Trigonometry is one of the most important topics on the course and can be problematic for many students.
Probability & Statistics The last two questions in Section A on Paper Two deal with what is known as Discrete Maths - this means questions will be put on permutations, combinations, probability, statistics and difference equations.
Further Calculus and Series In Section B on Paper Two, there are questions on four Option topics of which students choose one. More than 90% of students take Further Calculus and Series as their option question.