Current syllabus · first assessment 2019

A-Level Mathematics A2 Study Guide & Review

Complete Pearson Edexcel International A Level Mathematics at A2 by extending P1–P2 into compulsory P3 and P4, then finishing one valid YMA01 applied pairing with transparent reasoning, modelling and verification.

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  1. 01Learn concepts
  2. 02Practise questions
  3. 03Review mistakes

How to study Pearson Edexcel International A2 Mathematics

Pearson Edexcel International A2 Mathematics is the completion stage of the six-unit YMA01 award, not a separate qualification. Use the YMA01 route map to carry forward P1, P2 and your IAS option, add compulsory P3 and P4, and identify the one route-compatible applied unit still needed. In every solution, expose the method choice, restrictions and exact transformations before using a calculator, then verify convergence, accuracy, units, direction or contextual meaning.

Rebuild a missing prerequisite or representation in Concept and retrieve formulas, conditions and decision cues in Mastery without copying a worked answer. Apply them through the Question Bank and compare each line with the mark logic. Find the first unsupported transformation, incomplete proof, wrong model, hidden calculator step or weak interpretation, correct it and retry a nearby problem before mixing P3, P4 and your applied route under time pressure.

Practise YMA01 A2 by mathematical behaviour

Use separate routines for advanced method selection, proof and vectors, integration, mechanics modelling and statistical inference across the valid P3, P4, M2 and S2 scope.

Advanced pure method selection

P3 algebra, trigonometry, exponentials, logarithms, calculus and numerical methods

Mix Topics so the first task is identifying the structure rather than imitating a chapter example. Record domain and exact-form restrictions, choose the transformation or iteration deliberately and check convergence, accuracy and whether the result satisfies the original equation or function conditions.

Practise P3

Proof, coordinate geometry and vectors

P4 proof, parametric relationships, coordinate geometry, binomial expansion and three-dimensional vectors

State the proposition, assumptions and objects before manipulating them. Justify each implication, preserve consistent vector and parameter notation and classify geometric outcomes from exact evidence; numerical agreement or a diagram can test a claim but cannot replace a valid proof.

Practise P4

Advanced integration and differential equations

Substitution, parts, partial fractions, separation, initial conditions and linked representations

Identify the integrand or differential-equation structure before choosing reverse chain rule, substitution, parts, partial fractions or separation. Keep constants and limits visible, apply conditions exactly, then differentiate the result and check domain, sign and consistency with the original model.

Practise P4 integration

M2 mechanics modelling

Plane kinematics, centres of mass, work and energy, collisions and rigid-body statics

Use M2 only in the M1+M2 route. Sketch the system, state assumptions, choose axes and signs and label forces or velocities before selecting energy, momentum, kinematics or equilibrium; after solving, check units, direction, contact and physical plausibility.

Practise M2

S2 statistical inference

Binomial and Poisson models, continuous variables, distributions, samples and hypothesis tests

Use S2 only in the S1+S2 route. Define the random variable, model, parameters, hypotheses and significance level before calculation, verify approximation conditions and probability regions, then state a contextual decision without confusing failure to reject with proof of the null hypothesis.

Practise S2

Where to start

Start from a known P3, P4, M2 or S2 Topic, or diagnose whether the recurring weakness is prerequisite recall, method choice, execution, modelling or communication.

Choose your starting point

  1. I know the weak Topic

    Open its valid YMA01 Unit destination and trace the prerequisite, method condition, algebraic step, model choice or interpretation that first failed.

    Browse the A2 route

  2. I do not know what is weak

    Use mixed A2 Mathematics questions to separate prerequisite gaps from method-selection, algebraic, modelling, calculator and communication errors.

    Start an A2 diagnostic

Choose the right YMA01 A2 starting point

  1. Explain the structure

    Identify the mathematical object, representation, assumptions and conditions, then connect the advanced method to the P1–P3 or applied prerequisite it extends.

    Review a Concept

  2. Retrieve the decision cues

    Reproduce formulas, method triggers and validity conditions independently, keeping exact forms and the role of permitted technology clear.

    Check Mastery

  3. Apply, verify and repair

    Solve a valid route question, test the result and correct the earliest unsupported step before repeating a nearby variant.

    Practise questions

Complete your exact YMA01 Mathematics route

YMA01 requires P1–P4 plus exactly one approved applied pair: M1+S1, M1+D1, M1+M2, S1+D1 or S1+S2. At A2, P3 and P4 are compulsory; M2 or S2 appears only in its matching progression route.

8
syllabus groups
45
mapped topics

Unit P3: Pure Mathematics 3

Open unit questions
P3.1 - Algebra and functionsP3.2 - TrigonometryP3.3 - Exponentials and logarithmsP3.4 - DifferentiationP3.5 - IntegrationP3.6 - Numerical methods

Unit P4: Pure Mathematics 4

Open unit questions
P4.1 - ProofP4.2 - Algebra and functionsP4.3 - Coordinate geometry in the (x, y) planeP4.4 - Binomial expansionP4.5 - DifferentiationP4.6 - IntegrationP4.7 - Vectors

Unit FP2: Further Pure Mathematics 2

Open unit questions
FP2.1 - InequalitiesFP2.2 - SeriesFP2.3 - Further complex numbersFP2.4 - First order differential equationsFP2.5 - Second order differential equationsFP2.6 - Maclaurin and Taylor seriesFP2.7 - Polar coordinates

Unit FP3: Further Pure Mathematics 3

Open unit questions
FP3.1 - Hyperbolic functionsFP3.2 - Further coordinate systemsFP3.3 - DifferentiationFP3.4 - IntegrationFP3.5 - VectorsFP3.6 - Further matrix algebra

Unit M2: Mechanics 2

Open unit questions
M2.1 - Kinematics of a particle moving in a straight line or planeM2.2 - Centres of massM2.3 - Work and energyM2.4 - CollisionsM2.5 - Statics of rigid bodies

Unit M3: Mechanics 3

Open unit questions
M3.1 - Further kinematicsM3.2 - Elastic strings and springsM3.3 - Further dynamicsM3.4 - Motion in a circleM3.5 - Statics of rigid bodies

Unit S2: Statistics 2

Open unit questions
S2.1 - The Binomial and Poisson distributionsS2.2 - Continuous random variablesS2.3 - Continuous distributionsS2.4 - Hypothesis tests

Unit S3: Statistics 3

Open unit questions
S3.1 - Combinations of random variablesS3.2 - SamplingS3.3 - Estimation, confidence intervals and testsS3.4 - Goodness of fit and contingency tablesS3.5 - Regression and correlation

Pearson Edexcel International A2 Mathematics assessment

The full YMA01 award contains six externally assessed units: P1–P4 plus one approved applied pair. Every contributing unit is a 75-mark, 1 hour 30 minute written examination worth 16⅔% of IAL.

Paper / componentQuestionsTime% of grade
P3 Pure Mathematics 3 (WMA13/01)Written examination; answer all questions75 marksP3 assesses algebra and functions, trigonometry, exponentials and logarithms, differentiation, integration and numerical methods. P1 and P2 knowledge may be tested; Pearson supplies the formula booklet and permits a suitable calculator.How to prepare: Interleave P1 and P2 retrieval with P3 functions, trigonometry, calculus and iteration. Make method selection, domains, exact transformations and convergence or accuracy checks visible, then use the calculator to evaluate or verify rather than hide the mathematical setup.1 hour 30 minutes16⅔% of IAL; compulsory
P4 Pure Mathematics 4 (WMA14/01)Written examination; answer all questions75 marksP4 assesses proof, algebra and functions, coordinate geometry, binomial expansion, differentiation, integration and vectors. Knowledge from P1–P3 may be tested; the official formula booklet and permitted calculator rules apply.How to prepare: Practise selecting among proof, algebraic, parametric, vector and integration methods. Preserve exact forms, conditions and linked representations, justify every implication and differentiate or substitute back to check the result; numerical evidence alone does not complete a proof.1 hour 30 minutes16⅔% of IAL; compulsory
M2 Mechanics 2 option (WME02/01)Written examination; answer all questions75 marksM2 covers plane kinematics, centres of mass, work and energy, collisions and rigid-body statics. P1–P4 and M1 knowledge may be tested; M2 contributes to YMA01 only as the second unit in the M1+M2 pair.How to prepare: Start from a labelled physical model, assumptions, axes and directions before choosing energy, momentum, kinematics or equilibrium. Keep vector components and units consistent, then test direction, contact and physical plausibility; do not revise M2 if your approved pair follows another route.1 hour 30 minutes16⅔% of IAL when M1+M2 is chosen
S2 Statistics 2 option (WST02/01)Written examination; answer all questions75 marksS2 covers binomial and Poisson distributions, continuous random variables and distributions, samples and hypothesis tests. S1 plus relevant calculus knowledge is assumed; S2 contributes to YMA01 only in the S1+S2 pair.How to prepare: Define the variable, model, parameters, hypotheses and significance level before calculator work. Verify approximation conditions, show the probability region and finish with a contextual decision; do not revise S2 if your approved pair is M1+S1, M1+D1, M1+M2 or S1+D1.1 hour 30 minutes16⅔% of IAL when S1+S2 is chosen

SourcePearson Edexcel · Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Subsidiary/Advanced Level Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Pure MathematicsYMA01 · Issue 3 · April 2019

Pearson Edexcel International A2 Mathematics questions

Always add compulsory P3 and P4. If your IAS option was M1, complete the applied pair with S1, D1 or M2; after S1, add M1, D1 or S2; after D1, add M1 or S1. The final six units must form one of Pearson's five approved YMA01 routes.

No. Only P3 and P4 are compulsory A2-labelled units. M2 is used only with M1, and S2 only with S1. The valid M1+S1, M1+D1 and S1+D1 routes contain no A2-labelled applied unit, so your banked IAS choice determines what remains.

No. Those units are valid in the broader Pearson Mathematics-family specification but not in any approved YMA01 Mathematics combination. The local stage-filtered tree currently exposes them because they carry an A2 label; use only P3, P4 and the applied unit required by your exact YMA01 route.

Yes. Pearson supplies the Mathematical Formulae and Statistical Tables booklet and permits suitable calculators, but prohibits symbolic algebra, symbolic differentiation or integration, communication and retrievable text or formula storage. Some knowledge is not supplied, and setup, exact working, assumptions and interpretation still need to be shown.

Pearson's Mathematics-specific rule requires at least 480 of 600 UMS overall and at least 180 of 200 combined UMS from P3 and P4. The applied unit is not part of that 180-UMS condition. Raw grade boundaries vary by examination series, so do not convert this into a fixed raw-mark target.