Time Alloted:
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IGCSE Math Tuition
Understand the syllabus, exam format and get free resources.
Work with expert IGCSE tutors to ace your exams!
Why Ascend Now is the Top Choice for IGCSE Math Tuition?
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of Ascend Now Students got a A in IGCSE Math
74%
Improved their scores by 20%
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See grade improvements within 2 months
What is IGCSE Mathematics? Why study it?
IGCSE Mathematics is an internationally recognized qualification designed for secondary school students. It encompasses a broad spectrum of mathematical concepts, including algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and statistics, with a strong emphasis on problem-solving and real-world applications.
Studying IGCSE Mathematics prepares students for further studies in mathematics, science, engineering, economics, and various other fields, equipping them with essential skills for academic and career success.
IGCSE Mathematics Syllabus: Topics + Overview
Dive deep into the comprehensive curriculum of IGCSE Mathematics, meticulously designed to cater to students who are ready to build a strong foundation in mathematics. From number systems to advanced algebra, this course provides a robust framework for applying mathematical concepts in practical, real world situations. Here is a detailed breakdown of the topics covered, expertly tailored to both Core and Extended students, ensuring a thorough grasp of essential mathematics concepts and their applications.
Topic
Core + Extended
Only Extended
Numbers and Algebra
Recommended Learning 45 Hours
Content Description
Fundamental Operations with numbers, algebraic expressions, and simple equations.
(50-60% weight)
What you’ll learn:
Additional coverage includes manipulation of algebraic expressions, harder equations, and inequalities.
(50-60% weight).
Coordinate Geometry
Recommended Learning 20 Hours
Content Description
Basic use of Cartesian coordinates, plotting lines, and understanding the gradient of a line.
(10-20% weight)
What you’ll learn:
Finding equations of lines, understanding the gradient and equation of parallel and perpendicular lines.
(10-20% weight)
Geometry
Recommended Learning 30 Hours
Content Description
Basic geometrical terms, understanding angles, symmetry, and simple transformations.
(15-25% weight)
What you’ll learn:
Advanced geometrical constructions, properties of circles, and proving geometric theorems.
(15-25% weight)
Mensuration
Recommended Learning 15 Hours
Content Description
Calculating area and volume of basic shapes (rectangles, triangles, circles).
(10-15% weight)
What you’ll learn:
Advanced calculations involving compound shapes, surface areas, and volumes of solids.
(10-15% weight)
Trigonometry
Recommended Learning 20 Hours
Content Description
Basic trigonometric ratios in right-angled triangles (sine, cosine, tangent).
(10-15% weight)
What you’ll learn:
Using sine, cosine, and tangent ratios to solve complex problems, understanding trigonometric identities.
(10-15% weight)
Statistics
Recommended Learning 20 Hours
Content Description
Understanding and interpreting data, calculating mean, median, mode, and range.
(10-15% weight)
What you’ll learn:
Advanced statistical methods, drawing and interpreting complex graphs, understanding correlation.
(10-15% weight)
Probability
Recommended Learning 10 Hours
Content Description
Basic probability concepts, including understanding the probability scale and calculating simple probabilities.
(5-10% weight)
What you’ll learn:
Complex probability problems, including combined events using tree diagrams, Venn diagrams.
(5-10% weight)
Numbers and Algebra
Topic
Recommended Learning 45 Hours
Core + Extended
Content Description
Fundamental Operations with numbers, algebraic expressions, and simple equations.
(50-60% weight)
Only Extended
What you’ll learn:
Additional coverage includes manipulation of algebraic expressions, harder equations, and inequalities.
(50-60% weight).
Coordinate Geometry
Topic
Recommended Learning 20 Hours
Core + Extended
Content Description
Basic use of Cartesian coordinates, plotting lines, and understanding the gradient of a line.
(10-20% weight)
Only Extended
What you’ll learn:
Finding equations of lines, understanding the gradient and equation of parallel and perpendicular lines.
(10-20% weight)
Geometry
Topic
Recommended Learning 30 Hours
Core + Extended
Content Description
Basic geometrical terms, understanding angles, symmetry, and simple transformations.
(15-25% weight)
Only Extended
What you’ll learn:
Advanced geometrical constructions, properties of circles, and proving geometric theorems.
(15-25% weight)
Mensuration
Topic
Recommended Learning 15 Hours
Core + Extended
Content Description
Calculating area and volume of basic shapes (rectangles, triangles, circles).
(10-15% weight)
Only Extended
What you’ll learn:
Advanced calculations involving compound shapes, surface areas, and volumes of solids.
(10-15% weight)
Trigonometry
Topic
Recommended Learning 20 Hours
Core + Extended
Content Description
Basic trigonometric ratios in right-angled triangles (sine, cosine, tangent).
(10-15% weight)
Only Extended
What you’ll learn:
Using sine, cosine, and tangent ratios to solve complex problems, understanding trigonometric identities.
(10-15% weight)
Statistics
Topic
Recommended Learning 20 Hours
Core + Extended
Content Description
Understanding and interpreting data, calculating mean, median, mode, and range.
(10-15% weight)
Only Extended
What you’ll learn:
Advanced statistical methods, drawing and interpreting complex graphs, understanding correlation.
(10-15% weight)
Probability
Topic
Recommended Learning 10 Hours
Core + Extended
Content Description
Basic probability concepts, including understanding the probability scale and calculating simple probabilities.
(5-10% weight)
Only Extended
What you’ll learn:
Complex probability problems, including combined events using tree diagrams, Venn diagrams.
(5-10% weight)
Download full sub-topic list for the IGCSE Math Tuition Core and Extended.
Download SyllabusIGCSE Math Exams and Past Papers: Overview
ALL IGCSE STUDENTS TAKE ONLY 2 EXAMS. This could either be Core or Extended
- Core – if you’re weak in math and are expecting a grade between C-G – then you’ll do core. In this case you’ll only take Paper 1 and Paper 3.
- Extended – If you’re strong at math and are expecting a grade between A* – C, then you’ll do extended which is harder. This means you’ll only write Paper 2 and Paper 4!
Paper 1
For Core Students Only
35% of final grade for core students
Example Question
Numbers
Write down an irrational number with a value between 10 and 20.
Paper 2
For Extended Students Only
35% of final grade for Extended students
Example Question
Sequences
“22, 17, 12, 7, 2, … (a) Find the next term of the sequence. (b) Find the nth term of the sequence.”
Paper 3
For Core Students Only
35% of final grade for Core students
Example Question
Algebra
(a) A football team has w wins and d draw. The team scores 3 points for each win and 1 point for each draw. Write an expression, in terms of w and d, for the total number of points scored by the team. (b) Athletic, Rovers and United are three football teams. Athletic have a point score of x. Rovers have 12 points more than Athletics point score. United have 3 points fewer than twice Athletics point score. The total point score of all three teams is 121. Use this information to write down an equation in terms of x. Solve your equation to work out the pont score of each team. (c) Simplify 4a - 3b + 5a + 6b 6(2x+1) - 5(x-2) Solve the simultaneous equations. You must show all your working. 3x + 5y = 11 2x - 3y = 20
Paper 4
For Extended Students Only
35% of final grade for Extended students
Example Question
Trigonometry
Calculate angle ACD. Show that BC = 7.05km, correct to 2 decimal places. Calculate the shortest distance from B to AC. Calculate the length of the straight lin BD. C is due east of A. Find the bearing of D from C.
Download all the free past papers
Download Free Test PaperIGCSE Math Exam Overview - Core and Extended
ALL IGCSE STUDENTS TAKE ONLY 2 EXAMS. This could either be Core or Extended
- Core – if you’re weak in math and are expecting a grade between C-G – then you’ll do core. In this case you’ll only take Paper 1 and Paper 3.
- Extended – If you’re strong at math and are expecting a grade between A* – C, then you’ll do extended which is harder. This means you’ll only write Paper 2 and Paper 4!
Assessment Objective
Paper (Core 1)
Paper 2 (Extended)
Paper 3 (Core)
Paper 4 (Extended)
AO1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of mathematical techniques
60-70%
40-50%
60-70%
40-50%
AO2 Reason, interpret and communication mathematically when solving problems
30-40%
50-60%
30-40%
50-60%
Is IGCSE Math (0580) Difficult?
Educators and students often find IGCSE Math (0580) challenging due to its rigorous pace and the depth of understanding required. The course’s blend of theoretical concepts with practical applications, particularly in real-world contexts, can be demanding. However, with consistent effort, thorough preparation, and the use of resources like graphing calculators, students can effectively manage and succeed in the course.
2023 Cumulative Grades

Ascend Now Examiner Tips
Read Questions Carefully

Naman
IGCSE Tutor
Show All Your Work

Vidhi
IGCSE Tutor
Understand Key Words

Priya
IGCSE Tutor
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