Advanced Level Mathematics (A Level Maths) mainly requires learners to have clear thinking and the development of specific ideas into generalized solutions rather than only calculation.  In other words, A level Mathematics works out problems with highly abstract topics which require considerable imagination combined with the rules. 

A level Mathematics gives you the opportunity to study topics related to Pure Mathematics such as geometry, calculus and trigonometry and to use these concepts and ideas within Applied Mathematics such as mechanics and statistics. Many people assume that A Level Maths exam is one of the hardest tests they have ever taken so this paper is published with the purpose of providing you with Tips for A Level Maths exam to get a highest score. Let’s get started!

 

1. Overview Of A Level Maths Exam

 

a level maths tips
Overview of Advanced Level Mathematics Exams

In the UK, A Level (Advanced Level) Mathematics Exams are often taken by 17-18 year-old candidates after a 2-year course at a sixth form or college to get an official qualification. Furthermore, A-level Maths is regarded as one of the toughest subjects in A Level. More specifically, to ace the A Level Maths, you need to accomplish 3 modules creating your AS-Level Qualification, and accomplish 3 remaining modules in the second year of the advanced course.

As a new specification introduced in 2017, A Level Maths has been assessed with an examination which covers these modules and is taken only at the end of the course in a single sitting in the same time limits as follows: 

  • A Level Maths Paper 1: compulsory questions on Pure Maths topics in 2 hours
  • A Level Maths Paper 2: compulsory questions on Pure Maths topics in 2 hours
  • A Level Maths Paper 3: compulsory questions on mechanics and statistics in 2 hours

 

Your score will range from A* to E grade. If you fail to earn an E, you’ll receive a U = ‘Unclassified’. In terms of A Level Maths test, you need to get at least 480 UMS marks for your overall A level grade in order to get an A*.

 

2. Key Study Tips For A Level Maths

 

a level maths
Let’s take our tips for study A Level Maths

Although A Level Maths is one of the most challenging of all A Levels tests, you can improve your final score through effective study and revision. Thus, here are our top A Level Maths Tips highly recommended helping you perform better in your examinations  

 

2.1 Practice makes perfect 

 

The key to success in almost all examinations is definitely “PRACTICE”. Mathematics is a challenging subject that demands you to understand mathematical concepts instead of just learning by heart. Bear in mind only by practicing, you will learn the steps to solving the questions. You will know what to do first, and what comes next. 

Thus, do not just read the questions and sample answers. You have to practice questions. Even when you think you know how to do a topic, along comes a question that can be worked out in different ways that you have never seen before and this may throw you. If you practice from different sources, you will become confident whenever facing a strange question for the first time. 

Past papers are always readily available for anyone, so let’s make use of them to improve your scores. Take as much practice as you can to help you prepare for the difficulty level and gauge how easy you finish them within the fixed time scales. Don’t be discouraged if you find the first few past papers difficult; remember this is preparing you for the exam at the end of your course. The more you do the better you’ll get at answering the type of questions you will get asked. Let’s take our A Level Maths Practice Questions right now!

 

2.2. Look at example questions in your textbook 

 

Whenever studying a new concept or topic, always look at the example questions first to help you familiarize yourself with the step-by-step solutions taken to work out the problem. They also provide you with a detailed explanation which might be helpful when starting to learn a completely new concept. 

In case you see a hard question, look for similar examples in textbooks to learn the methods involved. We can easily deal with a problem by copying a mathematical method from the same kind of question by changing the number or letter.

 

2.3  Understand your mistakes and fill any knowledge gaps

 

The nature of mathematics is that one topic or concept might be built on previous knowledge so you need to identify, understand and correct your mistakes as quickly as possible instead of moving on to the next topic and leaving knowledge gaps. 

 

2.4. Understand what your calculator can do

 

For A Levels, we are allowed to use more advanced calculators which are useful for more complex mathematical expressions. To optimize your test performance, get to know well what your calculators can do for you in advance and make sure to practice using them on a regular basis when practicing exam questions. In this paper, we are going to list some functions of calculators that you should use to work out mathematical problems as follows: 

  • Convert polar to rectangular 
  • Calculate matrices 
  • Find out algebraic expressions 
  • Calculate Vector 
  • Handle Integration 

 

You can learn more about how to use these functions by simply looking them up on YouTube by searching your calculator’s code. 

 

2.5.Comprehend the theories and formulas

 

Don’t spend hours memorizing mathematical theories and formulas because unless you understand them well first, you cannot apply them later. Thus, this tip will help you be able to work through the complex problem logically and calmly.

 

2.6. Make the Most of Your Time

 

Your study and revision will help you to excel in your A Level Maths. However, to avoid wasting time, you should know what you need to study and where your weaknesses are. Then create a study schedule that is catered for your needs. Don’t overload yourself and make sure it’s not all boring grind in the library; study where you’re comfortable.

 

2.7. Make flashcards to learn formulas

 

You can create your own flashcards to learn and remember a formula. They are written in a bold color, in large writing, or sth draw your attention. Review the cards before you start the exam so you can store them in your short-term memory. You can write it down on your exam draft to refer to if needed later.

In short, mathematics is a subject that you truly understand and learn when you crack your head while solving questions. Thus, don’t hesitate to take our A Level Maths Practice Questions. Furthermore, let’s use our study tips for A Level Maths examinations. Try your best to get to your destination. Good luck with your Maths test!