Cambridge IGCSE · Analysis & Prediction

2024 Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics (0580) Past Paper: Analysis & Answers

A comprehensive analysis of the October/November 2024 Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics (0580) series across Core and Extended pathways (Papers 12, 22, 32, and 42). The papers cover fundamental arithmetic, equations, geometry, trigonometry, coordinate geometry, transformations, statistics, and introductory calculus.

Updated: Jun 13, 2026

AnalysisSample paper
Difficulty 3.0/5
Total marks
200
Duration
240 mins
Most tested
—

Paper breakdown

Paper 2 (Extended, Non-calculator): 100 marks · 120 minsPaper 4 (Extended, Calculator): 100 marks · 120 mins

Examiner insights

Official report

Common pitfalls

  • Rounding intermediate values too early, leading to final answers falling outside the acceptable range of accuracy.
  • Omitting construction arcs in geometrical drawing questions, which leads to loss of method marks.
  • Failing to convert units properly when dealing with areas and volumes (e.g., using linear scale factors instead of quadratic/cubic factors).

Misconceptions

  • Thinking that the line of best fit must pass through the origin rather than following the trend of the plotted points.
  • Assuming that a standard decimal or percentage calculation on 'without calculator' questions is sufficient without explicitly showing intermediate improper fractions.
  • Confusing the rules of bounds, particularly when calculating the upper bound of a fraction, where a larger numerator must be divided by a smaller denominator.

Where marks are lost

  • In the perpendicular bisector question (Paper 22 Q22), failing to calculate the midpoint first, or using the wrong gradient formula.
  • In the similar volume question (Paper 22 Q23), using a linear scale factor instead of applying the cube root to the volume ratio.
  • In differentiation questions, confusing the process with integration or failing to equate the derivative to zero to find turning points.

Estimated grade boundary

Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Source: Cambridge IGCSE grade thresholds (official)
GradeMarkPercentage
A*180/20090%
A160/20080%
B130/20065%
C100/20050%
D82/20041%
E64/20032%
Official grade boundaries published by Cambridge IGCSE grade thresholds (official).

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