Cambridge (CIE) O Level Additional Maths specification (4037)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) O Level Additional Maths exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official Cambridge (CIE) O Level Additional Maths specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official Cambridge (CIE) O Level Additional Maths (4037) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official Cambridge (CIE) specification PDF.
Specification overview
Cambridge O Level Additional Mathematics builds on students' existing mathematical knowledge to enhance their understanding and enjoyment of the subject. The course develops their ability to analyse and solve complex problems using creativity, resilience, and logical reasoning. It reinforces competence and confidence in mathematical techniques, both with and without a calculator, while encouraging structured communication of solutions. Students deepen their understanding of connections between different areas of mathematics and gain a strong foundation for further study in mathematics or numerate disciplines. This syllabus is designed to stretch able learners and prepare them for advanced mathematics courses, such as Cambridge International AS & A Level Mathematics.Subject content breakdown
1 Functions
- Understand function concepts, domains, ranges, and types.
- Identify inverse and composite functions with appropriate notation.
Analyse relationships involving modulus and inverse functions graphically.
2 Quadratic functions
- Complete the square and differentiate to find extrema.
- Interpret graphs and roots using the discriminant.
- Solve quadratic equations and inequalities algebraically or graphically.
3 Factors of polynomials
- Apply the remainder and factor theorems.
- Factorise polynomials and solve cubic equations.
4 Equations, inequalities and graphs
- Solve modulus equations and inequalities algebraically or graphically.
- Use substitutions to solve equations.
- Sketch cubic polynomials and solve inequalities graphically.
5 Simultaneous equations
- Solve simultaneous equations using elimination or substitution.
6 Logarithmic and exponential functions
- Apply laws and graphs of logarithmic and exponential functions.
- Solve equations using logarithms.
7 Straight-line graphs
- Use equations of lines and conditions for parallelism or perpendicularity.
- Solve problems involving midpoints, lengths, and transformations.
8 Coordinate geometry of the circle
- Use standard circle equations.
- Solve intersection and tangent problems involving circles.
- Solve problems with intersecting circles.
9 Circular measure
- Solve problems using arc length, sector area, and radian measure.
10 Trigonometry
- Work with all six trigonometric functions and their graphs.
- Apply trigonometric identities and solve related equations.
- Prove identities and analyse trigonometric expressions.
11 Permutations and combinations
- Differentiate between permutations and combinations.
- Apply factorial notation and solve arrangement problems.
12 Series
- Expand binomial expressions and use general terms.
- Recognise and work with arithmetic and geometric series.
- Use conditions for convergence and calculate sums to infinity.
13 Vectors in two dimensions
- Use vector notation, operations, and solve geometry problems.
- Resolve velocities and apply vectors to motion problems.
14 Calculus
- Differentiate standard functions and apply rules for products, quotients, and chains.
- Use differentiation for gradients, tangents, normals, and extrema.
- Apply differentiation to rates of change, approximations, and kinematics.
- Integrate standard functions and evaluate definite integrals.
- Apply integration to areas and kinematic problems.
Assessment structure
Paper 1 (Non-calculator)
- 2 hours
- 80 marks
- Structured and unstructured questions
- Calculator not permitted
- Compulsory paper, externally assessed
Paper 2 (Calculator)
- 2 hours
- 80 marks
- Structured and unstructured questions
- Scientific calculator required
Compulsory paper, externally assessed
- Both papers test any part of the syllabus content.
- Candidates are assessed on knowledge, application, and mathematical communication.
- Assessment objectives are equally weighted across both papers.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) O Level Additional Maths isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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