Current syllabus · first assessment 2019

A-Level Mathematics AS Study Guide & Review

Prepare for Pearson Edexcel International AS Mathematics by mastering compulsory P1 and P2 pure methods, then applying precise modelling and interpretation in your chosen M1, S1 or D1 route.

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

How to study Pearson Edexcel International AS Mathematics

Pearson Edexcel International AS Mathematics is a three-unit route: compulsory P1 and P2 plus one applied option. Use the XMA01 syllabus map to select M1, S1 or D1 before planning practice. For every problem, expose the mathematical structure, choose a representation or model, work exactly until approximation is appropriate and verify domain, sign, units or feasibility. A correct calculator result without a valid method does not repair an earlier algebraic or modelling error.

Rebuild weak definitions, derivations and model choices in Concept and retrieve formulas, identities, algorithms and conditions in Mastery without copying solutions. Apply them through the Question Bank and compare each line with the mark logic, not only the final answer. Find the first invalid transformation, missing justification, diagram assumption, parameter choice or interpretation, correct it and retry a nearby question before mixing units under time pressure.

Practise XMA01 by mathematical behaviour

Use distinct routines for pure structure and proof, calculus representations, mechanics modelling, statistical interpretation and executable decision algorithms.

Pure structure and proof

Algebra, functions, coordinate geometry, trigonometry, proof, sequences, exponentials and logarithms

Keep domains, exact values and equivalence visible while transforming expressions. Name the justification in proof, test identities across valid domains and repair the first invalid line. In P2, retrieve P1 algebra and trigonometry deliberately instead of treating each chapter as independent.

Practise P1 and P2

Calculus and linked representations

Gradients, stationary points, rates, tangents, integrals, areas and graph interpretation

Connect the graph, equation, gradient or rate and accumulated area before calculating. Predict sign and scale, differentiate or integrate with exact working, apply limits and constants carefully, then verify interval, units and whether the result answers the original geometric or modelling question.

Practise calculus

M1 mechanics modelling

Models, vectors, kinematics, dynamics, statics and moments

Draw the labelled particle or force model, choose axes and a sign convention and state assumptions before writing equations. Solve componentwise, preserve units and then interpret direction, contact, tension and physical plausibility; an algebraically valid result can still contradict the model.

Practise M1

S1 statistical modelling

Data summaries, probability, correlation, regression, discrete variables and Normal distribution

Define variables, parameters and assumptions before selecting a summary, probability model or distribution. Show standardisation and calculator input clearly, distinguish exact from approximate results and interpret probability, regression or correlation in the original context without claiming causation from association.

Practise S1

D1 executable reasoning

Algorithms, graph algorithms, critical paths and linear programming

Record each state, label, iteration, tie decision or network update so the algorithm can be followed and marked. For critical paths and linear programming, show constraints and feasible regions, identify the optimum and cross-check whether the mathematical solution is feasible in the original model.

Practise D1

Where to start

Start from a known P1, P2 or applied Topic, or diagnose whether the recurring weakness is technique, proof, model setup, accuracy, interpretation or timing.

Choose your starting point

  1. I know the weak Topic

    Open its exact eligible Unit destination and identify the first failed identity, algebraic step, model assumption, algorithm state or interpretation.

    Browse the XMA01 route

  2. I do not know what is weak

    Use mixed questions from P1, P2 and your chosen M1, S1 or D1 option to locate the earliest recurring error.

    Start an IAS diagnostic

Choose the right XMA01 starting point

  1. Explain the mathematical structure

    Identify the object, theorem, representation or model and state the restrictions, assumptions and result that the method must produce.

    Review a Concept

  2. Retrieve and execute the method

    Reproduce formulas or algorithm steps, keep exact working visible and use permitted technology only where it supports the method.

    Check Mastery

  3. Verify and repair

    Check domain, sign, units, plausibility or feasibility, then correct the first invalid line and retry a related question.

    Practise questions

Choose and explore your XMA01 Mathematics route

XMA01 requires P1 and P2 plus exactly one applied unit: M1 Mechanics, S1 Statistics or D1 Decision Mathematics. Select that three-unit route before opening a Topic; FP1 belongs to IAS Pure or Further Mathematics, not IAS Mathematics.

6
syllabus groups
38
mapped topics

Unit P1: Pure Mathematics 1

Open unit questions
P1.1 - Algebra and functionsP1.2 - Coordinate geometry in the (x, y) planeP1.3 - TrigonometryP1.4 - DifferentiationP1.5 - Integration

Unit P2: Pure Mathematics 2

Open unit questions
P2.1 - ProofP2.2 - Algebra and functionsP2.3 - Coordinate geometry in the (x, y) planeP2.4 - Sequences and seriesP2.5 - Exponentials and logarithmsP2.6 - TrigonometryP2.7 - DifferentiationP2.8 - Integration

Unit FP1: Further Pure Mathematics 1

Open unit questions
FP1.1 - Complex numbersFP1.2 - Roots of quadratic equationsFP1.3 - Numerical solution of equationsFP1.4 - Coordinate systemsFP1.5 - Matrix algebraFP1.6 - Transformations using matricesFP1.7 - SeriesFP1.8 - Proof

Unit M1: Mechanics 1

Open unit questions
M1.1 - Mathematical models in mechanicsM1.2 - Vectors in mechanicsM1.3 - Kinematics of a particle moving in a straight lineM1.4 - Dynamics of a particle moving in a straight line or planeM1.5 - Statics of a particleM1.6 - Moments

Unit S1: Statistics 1

Open unit questions
S1.1 - Mathematical models in probability and statisticsS1.2 - Representation and summary of dataS1.3 - ProbabilityS1.4 - Correlation and regressionS1.5 - Discrete random variablesS1.6 - The Normal distribution

Unit D1: Decision Mathematics 1

Open unit questions
D1.1 - AlgorithmsD1.2 - Algorithms on graphsD1.3 - Algorithms on graphs IID1.4 - Critical path analysisD1.5 - Linear programming

Pearson Edexcel International AS Mathematics assessment

XMA01 combines three externally assessed units: compulsory P1 and P2 plus one of M1, S1 or D1. Each unit contributes one third of IAS and is a 75-mark written examination.

Paper / componentQuestionsTime% of grade
P1 Pure Mathematics 1 (WMA11/01)Written examination; answer all questions75 marksP1 assesses algebra and functions, coordinate geometry, trigonometry, differentiation and integration. The Mathematical Formulae and Statistical Tables booklet is supplied and a permitted calculator may be used, but clear working and non-supplied knowledge remain necessary.How to prepare: Build reliable algebraic transformations and exact trigonometric and calculus methods. Make restrictions, substitutions and intermediate lines visible, use technology to check rather than replace reasoning and verify sign, interval and geometry so one early manipulation error does not propagate through the solution.1 hour 30 minutes33⅓% of IAS; 16⅔% of IAL
P2 Pure Mathematics 2 (WMA12/01)Written examination; answer all questions75 marksP2 assesses proof, algebra and functions, coordinate geometry, sequences and series, exponentials and logarithms, trigonometry, differentiation and integration, with P1 knowledge assumed. The official formula booklet and permitted calculators are available.How to prepare: Mix P1 retrieval into proof, logarithm, sequence and calculus questions. State proof logic, preserve exact forms until approximation is justified and repair the first invalid algebraic step; checking only the final answer will not reveal where method marks and mathematical validity were lost.1 hour 30 minutes33⅓% of IAS; 16⅔% of IAL
M1 Mechanics 1 option (WME01/01)Written examination; answer all questions75 marksM1 is one valid applied option and covers models, vectors, straight-line kinematics and dynamics, particle statics and moments, with P1/P2 and two-dimensional vector knowledge assumed. Formula booklet and permitted calculator rules apply.How to prepare: Translate words into a labelled mechanical model, assumptions, vectors and sign convention before equations. Resolve forces consistently, retain units and interpret direction and physical plausibility after solving; the option is selected instead of S1 or D1 for the XMA01 cash-in.1 hour 30 minutes33⅓% of IAS when chosen
S1 Statistics 1 option (WST01/01)Written examination; answer all questions75 marksS1 is one valid applied option and covers modelling, data representation and summaries, probability, correlation and regression, discrete random variables and the Normal distribution. Statistical tables/formulae and permitted calculator use support the paper.How to prepare: Define variables and parameters, choose the correct model and show probability or standardisation setup before calculator output. Interpret summaries, regression and distributions in context, distinguish approximation from exact work and avoid converting correlation into an unsupported causal claim.1 hour 30 minutes33⅓% of IAS when chosen
D1 Decision Mathematics 1 option (WDM11/01)Written examination; answer all questions75 marksD1 is one valid applied option and covers algorithms, graph algorithms, critical path analysis and linear programming. No formulae are listed as supplied for D1, but permitted calculator rules still apply and every algorithm must be shown clearly.How to prepare: Practise visible algorithm states, network labels, tie decisions, constraints and feasible regions so the process can be followed. Verify route, critical path or optimum against the real model; D1 is selected instead of M1 or S1 and its series availability must be checked operationally.1 hour 30 minutes33⅓% of IAS when chosen

SourcePearson Edexcel · Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Subsidiary/Advanced Level Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Pure MathematicsXMA01 · Issue 3 · April 2019

Pearson Edexcel International AS Mathematics questions

You need compulsory P1 WMA11 and P2 WMA12 plus exactly one applied option: M1 WME01, S1 WST01 or D1 WDM11. The three selected units each contribute one third of IAS. FP1 WFM01 is not an XMA01 option; it belongs to IAS Pure Mathematics or Further Mathematics routes.

Pearson supplies the Mathematical Formulae and Statistical Tables booklet and permits suitable calculators, subject to restrictions on symbolic algebra, symbolic differentiation or integration, communication and retrievable text or formula storage. Supplied formulae vary by unit and do not replace remembered knowledge, visible method, exact working, assumptions or interpretation.

No. Although FP1 appears in the broader local Mathematics tree, the official XMA01 aggregation is P1 plus P2 plus M1, S1 or D1. P1, P2 and FP1 form IAS Pure Mathematics XPM01, while FP1 also contributes to Further Mathematics. Do not use FP1 as your IAS Mathematics applied option.

Not under Pearson's current 2026/27 Information Manual: D1 is listed for January and June, while P1, P2, M1 and S1 are also listed in October. This is operational and date-sensitive, so confirm the current manual and centre entry before planning a series rather than treating availability as permanent.

Full YMA01 requires six units: P1, P2, P3 and P4 plus an approved pair of applied units. Your IAS option may contribute to a valid full route, but the permitted pairs and aggregation rules must be checked. Units can be banked, yet a cash-in entry is required for certification and resit locking rules apply.