EDEXCEL GCE MATHEMATICS
General Instructions for Marking
1. The total number of marks for the paper is 100.
2. The Edexcel Mathematics mark schemes use the following types of marks:
• M marks: method marks are awarded for ‘knowing a method and attempting to
apply it’, unless otherwise indicated.
• A marks: Accuracy marks can only be awarded if the relevant method (M) marks
have been earned.
• B marks are unconditional accuracy marks (independent of M marks)
• Marks should not be subdivided.
3. Abbreviations
These are some of the traditional marking abbreviations that will appear in the mark
schemes.
• bod – benefit of doubt
• ft – follow through
• the symbol will be used for correct ft
• cao – correct answer only
• cso - correct solution only. There must be no errors in this part of the
question to obtain this mark
• isw – ignore subsequent working
• awrt – answers which round to
• SC: special case
• oe – or equivalent (and appropriate)
• dep – dependent
• indep – independent
• dp decimal places
• sf significant figures
• The answer is printed on the paper
• The second mark is dependent on gaining the first mark
4. For misreading which does not alter the character of a question or materially
simplify it, deduct two from any A or B marks gained, in that part of the question
affected.
5. Where a candidate has made multiple responses and indicates which response
they wish to submit, examiners should mark this response.
If there are several attempts at a question which have not been crossed out,
examiners should mark the final answer which is the answer that is the most
complete.
,6. Ignore wrong working or incorrect statements following a correct answer.
7. Mark schemes will firstly show the solution judged to be the most common
response expected from candidates. Where appropriate, alternatives
answers are provided in the notes. If examiners are not sure if an answer is
acceptable, they will check the mark scheme to see if an alternative answer is
given for the method used.
, General Principles for Pure Mathematics Marking
(But note that specific mark schemes may sometimes override these general
principles)
Method mark for solving 3 term quadratic:
1. Factorisation
( x 2 + bx + c) = ( x + p )( x + q ), where pq = c , leading to x = …
(ax 2 + bx + c) = (mx + p )(nx + q ), where pq = c and mn = a , leading to x = …
2. Formula
Attempt to use correct formula (with values for a, b and c).
3. Completing the square
2
Solving x + bx + c = 0 : ( x ± b2 ) 2 ± q ± c, q ≠ 0, leading to x = …
Method marks for differentiation and integration:
1. Differentiation
n n −1
Power of at least one term decreased by 1. ( x → x )
2. Integration
n n +1
Power of at least one term increased by 1. ( x → x )
Use of a formula
Where a method involves using a formula that has been learnt, the advice
given in recent examiners’ reports is that the formula should be quoted first.
Normal marking procedure is as follows:
Method mark for quoting a correct formula and attempting to use it, even if
there are small mistakes in the substitution of values.
Where the formula is not quoted, the method mark can be gained by
implication from correct working with values, but may be lost if there is any
mistake in the working.
, Exact answers
Examiners’ reports have emphasised that where, for example, an exact
answer is asked for, or working with surds is clearly required, marks will
normally be lost if the candidate resorts to using rounded decimals.
Answers without working
The rubric says that these may not gain full credit. Individual mark schemes
will give details of what happens in particular cases. General policy is that if it
could be done “in your head”, detailed working would not be required. Most
candidates do show working, but there are occasional awkward cases and if
the mark scheme does not cover this, please contact your team leader for
advice.
General Instructions for Marking
1. The total number of marks for the paper is 100.
2. The Edexcel Mathematics mark schemes use the following types of marks:
• M marks: method marks are awarded for ‘knowing a method and attempting to
apply it’, unless otherwise indicated.
• A marks: Accuracy marks can only be awarded if the relevant method (M) marks
have been earned.
• B marks are unconditional accuracy marks (independent of M marks)
• Marks should not be subdivided.
3. Abbreviations
These are some of the traditional marking abbreviations that will appear in the mark
schemes.
• bod – benefit of doubt
• ft – follow through
• the symbol will be used for correct ft
• cao – correct answer only
• cso - correct solution only. There must be no errors in this part of the
question to obtain this mark
• isw – ignore subsequent working
• awrt – answers which round to
• SC: special case
• oe – or equivalent (and appropriate)
• dep – dependent
• indep – independent
• dp decimal places
• sf significant figures
• The answer is printed on the paper
• The second mark is dependent on gaining the first mark
4. For misreading which does not alter the character of a question or materially
simplify it, deduct two from any A or B marks gained, in that part of the question
affected.
5. Where a candidate has made multiple responses and indicates which response
they wish to submit, examiners should mark this response.
If there are several attempts at a question which have not been crossed out,
examiners should mark the final answer which is the answer that is the most
complete.
,6. Ignore wrong working or incorrect statements following a correct answer.
7. Mark schemes will firstly show the solution judged to be the most common
response expected from candidates. Where appropriate, alternatives
answers are provided in the notes. If examiners are not sure if an answer is
acceptable, they will check the mark scheme to see if an alternative answer is
given for the method used.
, General Principles for Pure Mathematics Marking
(But note that specific mark schemes may sometimes override these general
principles)
Method mark for solving 3 term quadratic:
1. Factorisation
( x 2 + bx + c) = ( x + p )( x + q ), where pq = c , leading to x = …
(ax 2 + bx + c) = (mx + p )(nx + q ), where pq = c and mn = a , leading to x = …
2. Formula
Attempt to use correct formula (with values for a, b and c).
3. Completing the square
2
Solving x + bx + c = 0 : ( x ± b2 ) 2 ± q ± c, q ≠ 0, leading to x = …
Method marks for differentiation and integration:
1. Differentiation
n n −1
Power of at least one term decreased by 1. ( x → x )
2. Integration
n n +1
Power of at least one term increased by 1. ( x → x )
Use of a formula
Where a method involves using a formula that has been learnt, the advice
given in recent examiners’ reports is that the formula should be quoted first.
Normal marking procedure is as follows:
Method mark for quoting a correct formula and attempting to use it, even if
there are small mistakes in the substitution of values.
Where the formula is not quoted, the method mark can be gained by
implication from correct working with values, but may be lost if there is any
mistake in the working.
, Exact answers
Examiners’ reports have emphasised that where, for example, an exact
answer is asked for, or working with surds is clearly required, marks will
normally be lost if the candidate resorts to using rounded decimals.
Answers without working
The rubric says that these may not gain full credit. Individual mark schemes
will give details of what happens in particular cases. General policy is that if it
could be done “in your head”, detailed working would not be required. Most
candidates do show working, but there are occasional awkward cases and if
the mark scheme does not cover this, please contact your team leader for
advice.
