Edexcel A Level Maths 9MA0 Help: Papers, Data Set, Formulae

Q: How many papers are in Edexcel A level Maths 9MA0?

Three: Pure Mathematics 1, Pure Mathematics 2, and Statistics and Mechanics. Each is a 2-hour written paper out of 100 marks and worth a third of the A level.

Q: What is on Edexcel A level Maths Paper 3?

Section A is statistics: sampling, data presentation, probability, distributions and hypothesis testing. Section B is mechanics: units, kinematics including projectiles, forces and Newton's laws, and moments.

Q: Is there a formula sheet for Edexcel A level Maths?

Yes. The booklet Mathematical Formulae and Statistical Tables is provided in every paper. Appendix 1 of the specification lists formulae students must know because they are not in the booklet.

Q: What is the Edexcel large data set?

A set of real data that Pearson publishes and that students must become familiar with before Paper 3. Questions assume knowledge of its context, but students do not need copies in the exam or to memorise its values.

Q: Can you use a calculator in all Edexcel A level Maths papers?

Yes. Calculators are allowed in all three papers and must have an iterative function and be able to compute summary statistics and probabilities from standard distributions.

Q: Can I sit one Edexcel A level Maths paper in Year 12?

No. The specification says all assessment must be completed in May and June of a single year, so the three papers are sat together.

Q: How is Edexcel A level Maths graded?

On a six-grade scale from A* to E, using the combined total out of 300. Individual papers are not graded, and a result below E is an unclassified U.

Q: What do I need before starting 9MA0?

Pearson sets no formal prior learning requirement. In our experience a strong Higher GCSE or Extended IGCSE in maths makes Year 12 far more manageable, and sixth forms set their own entry grades.

Q: When are your 9MA0 classes?

Weekdays or weekends, flexible: choose your batch, or for a very personalised plan choose 1-on-1 at your convenience, weekend mornings or weekdays. We always give times in UK time.

Q: Are you part of Pearson Edexcel?

No. We are an independent teaching company with no link to Pearson, and our practice questions are our own.

The short answer

Pearson Edexcel A level Mathematics 9MA0 is assessed by three 2-hour written papers of 100 marks, each worth a third, sat together in May and June of one year. Paper 1 and Paper 2 are Pure Mathematics and may test any pure topic. Paper 3 has Section A Statistics and Section B Mechanics, and assumes the Pearson large data set. Calculators are allowed and a formulae booklet is provided. Grades are A* to E. Modern Age Coders teaches 9MA0 live online through our A Level Maths course, in a group of 15 to 20 or 1-on-1, with a free first class.

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Three courses for an Edexcel 9MA0 student

The A level course carries 9MA0. Statistics adds depth for Paper 3 Section A, and Further Maths is for those taking a second A level in the subject.

EL / 01

A Level Maths

All of 9MA0: ten pure topics, then statistics and mechanics for Paper 3.

Open the syllabus →

Statistics & Probability course thumbnail

EL / 02

Statistics and Probability

Distributions, hypothesis tests and data interpretation, for Section A.

Open the syllabus →

EL / 03

A Level Further Maths

For students sitting Edexcel Further Maths alongside 9MA0.

Open the syllabus →

The papers

How many papers are in Edexcel A level Maths?

Three, equal in time and marks. Two are pure; one is applied.

The specification describes 9MA0 as consisting "of three externally-examined papers", and is firm about timing: "Students must complete all assessment in May/June in any single year." There is no route to sit one paper in Year 12 and the others later. Each paper is a 2-hour written exam out of 100, and the grade comes from "the total combined marks (out of 300) for the three compulsory papers. Individual papers are not graded."

Pearson Edexcel A level Mathematics 9MA0: the three papers
Paper	Code	Content	Time	Marks	Weight
Paper 1: Pure Mathematics 1	9MA0/01	Any pure topic, 1 to 10	2 hours	100	33.33 per cent
Paper 2: Pure Mathematics 2	9MA0/02	Any pure topic, 1 to 10	2 hours	100	33.33 per cent
Paper 3: Statistics and Mechanics	9MA0/03	Section A statistics topics 1 to 5; Section B mechanics topics 6 to 9	2 hours	100	33.33 per cent

Source: Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Mathematics (9MA0) specification, Issue 4, February 2020, "Qualification at a glance", from the Pearson A level Mathematics page.

The ten pure topics

Proof; algebra and functions; coordinate geometry in the (x, y) plane; sequences and series; trigonometry; exponentials and logarithms; differentiation; integration; numerical methods; vectors.

Either pure paper "may contain questions on any topics from the Pure Mathematics content", so there is no topic that belongs to Paper 1 only. Revision for both papers is the same revision.

The applied topics

Statistics: sampling, data presentation and interpretation, probability, statistical distributions, hypothesis testing. Mechanics: quantities and units, kinematics including projectiles, forces and Newton's laws including friction, and moments.

Pure skills still matter in Paper 3: kinematics with variable acceleration uses calculus, and resolving forces uses trigonometry.

Paper 3

What is special about Edexcel A level Maths Paper 3?

It is the only applied paper, it assumes the large data set, and it gives problem solving more weight than either pure paper.

Pearson publishes the assessment-objective split paper by paper, and it shows a real difference. On each pure paper, AO3 (solving problems and modelling) is worth 6.33 to 7.67 per cent of the A level. On Paper 3 it is worth 10.33 to 11.67 per cent, while AO2 (reasoning and communicating) falls to 5.66 to 7.00 per cent. Paper 3 is where the specification puts the most modelling.

Assessment objectives by paper, as a percentage of the whole A level (Pearson's figures, rounded by Pearson)
Paper	AO1 technique	AO2 reasoning	AO3 problem solving
Paper 1: Pure Mathematics 1	16.00 to 17.33	8.66 to 10	6.33 to 7.67
Paper 2: Pure Mathematics 2	16.00 to 17.33	8.66 to 10	6.33 to 7.67
Paper 3: Statistics and Mechanics	16.00 to 17.33	5.66 to 7.00	10.33 to 11.67
Whole A level	48 to 52	23 to 27	23 to 27

Then there is the data set. The specification says: "Students are required to become familiar with the data set in advance of the final assessment." Questions "assume knowledge and understanding of the data set", and Pearson is explicit that they "should be likely to give a material advantage to students who have studied and are familiar with the data set." At the same time, students "will not be required to have copies of the data set in the examination, nor will they be required to have detailed knowledge of the actual data".

What familiarity means

Knowing the variables, their units and how they are recorded, what any abbreviations stand for, and where values are missing or unusual.

Being able to read a summary statistic or chart from the data set and interpret it in context, without needing the setting explained.

What it does not mean

Memorising individual values. Pearson rules that out in writing.

Using a different year's data. The specification says Pearson reviews the data set annually and will notify centres of any change "before the beginning of the two-year course", so download the version for your cohort.

Formulae booklet

Do you get a formula sheet in Edexcel A level Maths?

Yes: the Mathematical Formulae and Statistical Tables booklet. But Appendix 1 lists formulae that are deliberately left out of it.

Every 9MA0 paper is sat with "The booklet 'Mathematical Formulae and Statistical Tables'". The specification adds a list of formulae that "students are expected to know for A Level Mathematics" which "will not appear in the booklet". These run from the quadratic formula and laws of indices to the sine and cosine rules, standard derivatives and integrals, standardising a normal variable, and the friction model.

Areas covered by Appendix 1 of the 9MA0 specification, with examples in our words
Area	Examples to know without the booklet
Algebra	The quadratic formula and the laws of indices and logarithms
Coordinate geometry and sequences	The equation of a line through a point, the perpendicular-gradient rule, and the general terms of arithmetic and geometric progressions
Trigonometry and mensuration	The sine and cosine rules, the area ½ab sin C, cosec² A ≡ 1 + cot² A, tan 2A, and arc length and sector area in radians
Calculus	A table of standard derivatives and integrals
Statistics	The mean of a data set and standardising with Z = (X − μ)/σ
Mechanics	Weight = mg, the friction model F ≤ μR, F = ma, and the calculus links between displacement, velocity and acceleration

Source: 9MA0 specification, "Assessment information" and "Appendix 1: Formulae". The table summarises the appendix in our words; the specification gives every formula in full.

Calculator rules from Appendix 3 of the specification
Rule	Detail
Use	Allowed in all A level Mathematics examinations
Must include	An iterative function, and summary statistics with probabilities from standard distributions
Must be	Desk-sized, battery or solar powered, and free of lids or covers printed with instructions or formulas
Responsibility	Students must make sure their calculator meets the guidelines

Worked examples, ours

Four problems in the style of the three papers

Two pure, two applied. All written by us to show the method and the written reasoning the papers reward.

Our first problem, pure: integration by parts. Find the exact value of the integral of x ln x from x = 1 to x = e.

Choose u = ln x, because its derivative 1/x is simpler, and dv/dx = x, so v = x²/2.
Apply the formula: the integral of x ln x is (x²/2) ln x − the integral of (x²/2)(1/x), which is (x²/2) ln x − x²/4.
At x = e: e²/2 − e²/4 = e²/4. At x = 1: 0 − 1/4 = −1/4.
Subtract: e²/4 + 1/4 = (e² + 1)/4, about 2.0973. The question asked for an exact value, so (e² + 1)/4 is the answer and the decimal is only a check.

Our second problem, pure: proof by contradiction

Prove that there are no positive integers a and b with a² − b² = 2.

Assume there are. Then (a − b)(a + b) = 2. Since a + b is a positive integer, a − b is positive too, and a + b > a − b, so a − b = 1 and a + b = 2. Adding gives 2a = 3, so a = 1.5, which is not an integer. This contradicts the assumption, so no such integers exist.

Our third problem, mechanics: a projectile

A ball is projected from level ground at 20 m s⁻¹, 30° above the horizontal. Taking g = 9.8 m s⁻² and modelling the ball as a particle with no air resistance, find its range.

Vertically, 0 = (20 sin 30°)t − 4.9t², so t = 10 ÷ 4.9 = 2.04 s. Horizontally, the range is (20 cos 30°) × 2.041 = 35.3 m. The modelling assumptions are part of the answer: Paper 3 can ask which one to refine.

Our fourth problem, statistics. Events A and B have P(A) = 0.4, P(B) = 0.5 and P(A ∪ B) = 0.7. Are A and B independent? Using P(A ∪ B) = P(A) + P(B) − P(A ∩ B), we get P(A ∩ B) = 0.2. Since P(A) × P(B) = 0.2 as well, the events are independent, and so P(A | B) = 0.4, equal to P(A). The final sentence, stating what the equality shows, is where the reasoning mark sits.

Practice set: six questions we wrote for 9MA0 students, answers verified in Python
#	Our question	Paper	Answer
1	Expand (1 + 2x)⁻¹ up to the term in x³ and state when it is valid.	Pure	1 − 2x + 4x² − 8x³, for \|x\| < 1/2
2	Solve sin 2θ = cos θ for 0 ≤ θ ≤ 2π.	Pure	π/6, π/2, 5π/6, 3π/2
3	Differentiate tan 3x.	Pure	3 sec² 3x
4	Find the exact value of the integral of sin x cos x from 0 to π/2.	Pure	1/2
5	A 5 kg box is pulled across a rough floor by a horizontal 25 N force; μ = 0.3 and g = 9.8. Find its acceleration.	Paper 3, mechanics	2.06 m s⁻²
6	X ~ N(170, 6²). Find P(165 < X < 180) to 3 significant figures.	Paper 3, statistics	0.750

We wrote all four examples and the six practice questions on 31 October 2026; none comes from Pearson. Sample assessment materials and past papers are listed on the Pearson A level Mathematics page.

Entry and grading

Who can take 9MA0, and how is it graded?

No formal prerequisite, one sitting window, six grades, and a warning about doubling up.

Rules from section 3 of the 9MA0 specification
Rule	What Pearson says
Prior learning	"There are no prior learning or other requirements for this qualification."
When	All assessment in May and June of a single year
Grades	A six-grade scale, A* to E, on the combined total out of 300
Below E	An unclassified U result
Two similar A levels	Institutions are likely to treat two GCE qualifications with the same discount code as one
First certification	2018

The discount-code warning rarely affects A level Maths with Further Maths, which are separate subjects, but it can matter for combinations with heavy overlap. Pearson advises checking with the institution a student wants to progress to before committing to a combination.

For other boards, see A level maths tuition online. Students considering a second maths A level can read whether Further Maths is worth it, and those also taking computing may find OCR A level Computer Science H446 useful.

Progression

Four rungs through 9MA0

The pure foundations come first because two papers depend on them entirely and the third relies on them.

Where a 9MA0 student should be, term by term
Step	Roughly when	Ready to move on when
1. Algebra fluent	Start of Year 12	Indices, surds, quadratics and rearranging done without errors
2. Pure Year 1	Year 12	Proof, functions, trigonometry, exponentials, first calculus and vectors secure
3. Pure Year 2 and applied	Year 13	Integration methods, numerical methods, statistics with the data set, and mechanics including projectiles
4. Three papers	Final two terms	Pure 1, Pure 2 and Paper 3 practised in full, with modelling assumptions stated

Step two carries the load

Two thirds of the A level is pure. A strong pure base raises marks on Paper 3 as well.

Students curious about numerical methods in code can look at the coding roadmap.

Step four includes the data set

Paper 3 practice always includes questions set in the large data set's context.

Weekly classes ease off in the May and June weeks.

The catalogue

Nine courses for sixth-form maths

Grouped by purpose. The free first class points to the right one.

I

The A level

Pure, statistics, mechanics

UK / EL1 / 01

A level maths

Every 9MA0 topic, in teaching order.

Open the syllabus

UK / EL1 / 02

Statistics and probability

More practice for Section A of Paper 3.

Open the syllabus

UK / EL1 / 03

A level further maths

The second maths A level, often with Edexcel.

Open the syllabus

II

Bridging

Into Year 12

UK / EL2 / 01

GCSE mathematics

Higher GCSE topics secured before the A level starts.

Open the syllabus

UK / EL2 / 02

Algebra foundations

For students whose algebra holds them back.

Open the syllabus

UK / EL2 / 03

IGCSE mathematics

For international students arriving from IGCSE.

Open the syllabus

III

Beyond

University and stretch

UK / EL3 / 01

College mathematics

First-year university calculus and linear algebra.

Open the syllabus

UK / EL3 / 02

Maths for data science

Statistics and linear algebra for data degrees.

Open the syllabus

UK / EL3 / 03

Competition mathematics

Hard problems for students who want more.

Open the syllabus

How classes run

Pure first, modelling throughout

Weekdays or weekends, flexible: choose your batch, or for a very personalised plan choose 1-on-1 at your convenience, weekend mornings or weekdays. Classes are taught from India, which does not change its clocks, and each one is fixed in UK time around a sixth-form week.

After college

Common for Years 12 and 13.

Evening

Round work, sport or other A levels.

Weekend morning

Time for a complete paper.

Booklet drills

Students learn what is in the formulae booklet and what Appendix 1 leaves out.

Data set context

Regular tasks on Pearson's large data set before Paper 3 practice.

Assumptions stated

Every mechanics model written with its assumptions, ready to be refined.

Exact answers

Exact forms kept until the question asks for decimals.

Proof writing

Contradiction, exhaustion and deduction written in full sentences.

Group or 1-on-1

A group of 15 to 20 9MA0 students, or one teacher for one student.

Student work

Projects from our lessons

Made by students during classes, not marked for any qualification. Find more in student labs.

AI and ML

NutriLife

An AI nutrition coach that reads what you eat and works you toward a target.

by Bhavya · Open it

AI and ML

Misti

A chatbot that answers mathematics and programming questions, built and deployed by a student.

by Harshit · Open it

AI and ML

GuardianX

An assistant that helps a young person recognise unsafe situations online.

by Vivaan · Open it

Web app

SkyCast

A weather forecasting site with live conditions for any location.

by Krish

Fees

Fees for Edexcel 9MA0 classes

Students outside India pay a single monthly fee in US dollars. The first class is free; billing only begins after a course and a regular weekly time are confirmed.

Free first class

USD 0

no card required

A first class on a 9MA0 topic
A view on pure and applied strengths
Book with a phone number

Book it

Group batch

USD 100

a month, billed in US dollars

A group of 15 to 20 9MA0 students
One teacher across both years
Large data set practice
Quieter weeks in May and June

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One to one

USD 150

a month, billed in US dollars

A teacher for one student
Paced around mocks and offers
Suits a student resitting all three papers

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Questions about 9MA0

What students and parents ask about Edexcel A level Maths

How many papers are in Edexcel A level Maths 9MA0?

Three: Pure Mathematics 1, Pure Mathematics 2, and Statistics and Mechanics. Each is a 2-hour written paper out of 100 marks and worth a third of the A level.

What is on Edexcel A level Maths Paper 3?

Section A is statistics: sampling, data presentation, probability, distributions and hypothesis testing. Section B is mechanics: units, kinematics including projectiles, forces and Newton's laws, and moments.

Is there a formula sheet for Edexcel A level Maths?

Yes. The booklet Mathematical Formulae and Statistical Tables is provided in every paper. Appendix 1 of the specification lists formulae students must know because they are not in the booklet.

What is the Edexcel large data set?

A set of real data that Pearson publishes and that students must become familiar with before Paper 3. Questions assume knowledge of its context, but students do not need copies in the exam or to memorise its values.

Can you use a calculator in all Edexcel A level Maths papers?

Yes. Calculators are allowed in all three papers and must have an iterative function and be able to compute summary statistics and probabilities from standard distributions.

Can I sit one Edexcel A level Maths paper in Year 12?

No. The specification says all assessment must be completed in May and June of a single year, so the three papers are sat together.

How is Edexcel A level Maths graded?

On a six-grade scale from A* to E, using the combined total out of 300. Individual papers are not graded, and a result below E is an unclassified U.

What do I need before starting 9MA0?

Pearson sets no formal prior learning requirement. In our experience a strong Higher GCSE or Extended IGCSE in maths makes Year 12 far more manageable, and sixth forms set their own entry grades.

When are your 9MA0 classes?

Weekdays or weekends, flexible: choose your batch, or for a very personalised plan choose 1-on-1 at your convenience, weekend mornings or weekdays. We always give times in UK time.

Are you part of Pearson Edexcel?

No. We are an independent teaching company with no link to Pearson, and our practice questions are our own.

Elsewhere on this site

More for A level students

Other boards, Further Maths and costs.

A level maths tuition online

Our page covering A level maths across boards.

Further maths tuition online

For students taking a second maths A level.

Is A level Further Maths worth it?

The case for and against, set out plainly.

A level maths tutor cost in the UK

How families think about tuition budgets.

OCR A level Computer Science H446

For maths students also taking computing.

Coding classes in the UK

The full list of our UK pages.

Related pages in this guide

Part of the guide: UK maths exam boards and specification codes

A level maths and further maths

GCSE maths

International GCSE and Cambridge International

Scotland

International Baccalaureate

More guides: UK maths year by year, Reception to Year 11 · UK selective school maths tests: 7+, 11+, 13+ and 16+ · UK university admissions: maths tests and computing applications · UK maths enrichment, competitions and able pupils

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Book a free 9MA0 class

Leave a number and we will call at a UK time that suits your week. The class tries a pure problem and a Paper 3 problem of ours, so both halves of the A level are covered.

Prefer to read more? Every course page has its syllabus, how we teach explains our classes, and student labs collects student work.

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Three courses for an Edexcel 9MA0 student

A Level Maths

Statistics and Probability

A Level Further Maths

How many papers are in Edexcel A level Maths?

The ten pure topics

The applied topics

What is special about Edexcel A level Maths Paper 3?

What familiarity means

What it does not mean

Do you get a formula sheet in Edexcel A level Maths?

Four problems in the style of the three papers

Our second problem, pure: proof by contradiction

Our third problem, mechanics: a projectile

Who can take 9MA0, and how is it graded?

Four rungs through 9MA0

Step two carries the load

Step four includes the data set

Nine courses for sixth-form maths

The A level

A level maths

Statistics and probability

A level further maths

Bridging

GCSE mathematics

Algebra foundations

IGCSE mathematics

Beyond

College mathematics

Maths for data science

Competition mathematics

Pure first, modelling throughout

Booklet drills

Data set context

Assumptions stated

Exact answers

Proof writing

Group or 1-on-1

Projects from our lessons

NutriLife

Misti

GuardianX

SkyCast

Fees for Edexcel 9MA0 classes

Rated 4.9 across 547 Google reviews

What students and parents ask about Edexcel A level Maths

How many papers are in Edexcel A level Maths 9MA0?

What is on Edexcel A level Maths Paper 3?

Is there a formula sheet for Edexcel A level Maths?

What is the Edexcel large data set?

Can you use a calculator in all Edexcel A level Maths papers?

Can I sit one Edexcel A level Maths paper in Year 12?

How is Edexcel A level Maths graded?

What do I need before starting 9MA0?

When are your 9MA0 classes?

Are you part of Pearson Edexcel?

More for A level students

A level maths tuition online

Further maths tuition online

Is A level Further Maths worth it?

A level maths tutor cost in the UK

OCR A level Computer Science H446

Coding classes in the UK

Related pages in this guide

A level maths and further maths

GCSE maths

International GCSE and Cambridge International

Scotland

International Baccalaureate

Book a free 9MA0 class

Want a class sooner? Book a priority demo

Keep exploring Modern Age Coders

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