IGCSE Additional Mathematics Topics by Exam Board: Full List

If you are revising for IGCSE Additional Mathematics, one of the most effective ways to prepare is to understand exactly what you need to revise.

Unlike standard IGCSE Maths, this course focuses on more advanced topics, including algebra, functions and calculus. Knowing how these topics are organised can help you structure your revision, identify weaker areas and make steady progress.

This guide provides a clear, specification-led overview of IGCSE Additional Mathematics topics, so you can use it as a checklist throughout your revision.

Key Takeaways

• This article lists all IGCSE Additional Mathematics topics in a clear, structured way

• Topics are organised into key areas to help you revise efficiently

• You can use this list as a checklist to track your progress

• The course focuses on advanced maths, including calculus and functions

Why It's Important to Know Your Exam Board

IGCSE Additional Mathematics is currently offered by Cambridge International (0606).

While other exam boards offer advanced maths courses, such as Pearson Edexcel Further Pure Mathematics, these follow different specifications and are not direct equivalents.

This means it is important to:

• check your exam board and specification

• focus on the correct topic list

• avoid revising content that is not part of your course

Cambridge IGCSE Additional Mathematics Topics (0606)

The Cambridge IGCSE Additional Mathematics (0606) (opens in a new tab) course is organised into specific topic areas in the official specification.

Use this checklist to track your revision and make sure you have covered every part of the course.

1. Functions

You should be able to:

• use function notation

• find composite and inverse functions

• understand domain and range

• sketch and interpret graphs of functions

2. Quadratic Functions

You should be able to:

• solve quadratic equations

• sketch and interpret quadratic graphs

• find turning points and roots

• understand the discriminant

3. Factors of Polynomials

You should be able to:

• factorise polynomials

• use the remainder and factor theorems

• solve polynomial equations, including cubic equations

4. Equations, Inequalities and Graphs

You should be able to:

• solve linear and non-linear equations

• solve inequalities and represent solutions graphically

• interpret graphs of equations

5. Simultaneous Equations

You should be able to:

• solve simultaneous equations algebraically

• solve simultaneous equations graphically

6. Logarithmic and Exponential Functions

You should be able to:

• use and apply laws of logarithms

• solve exponential equations

• solve logarithmic equations

7. Straight-Line Graphs

You should be able to:

• find gradients and intercepts

• determine equations of lines

• work with parallel and perpendicular lines

8. Coordinate Geometry of the Circle

You should be able to:

• use the equation of a circle

• find the centre and radius

• solve problems involving tangents and intersections

9. Circular Measure

You should be able to:

• use radians

• convert between degrees and radians

• calculate arc length and sector area

10. Trigonometry

You should be able to:

• use standard trigonometric identities

• solve trigonometric equations

• use sine and cosine rules

• sketch and interpret trigonometric graphs

11. Permutations and Combinations

You should be able to:

• calculate permutations and combinations

• solve problems involving arrangements and selections

12. Series

You should be able to:

• use arithmetic progressions

• use geometric progressions

• find sums to infinity

• use the binomial expansion for positive integer powers

13. Vectors in Two Dimensions

You should be able to:

• use vector notation

• perform vector addition and subtraction

• solve geometric problems and proofs using vectors

14. Calculus

You should be able to:

• differentiate functions

• find gradients and turning points

• integrate functions

• find areas under curves

• apply calculus to motion (kinematics) problems

How Cambridge Topics Are Assessed

Topics can appear in any exam paper.

Students take two written exam papers at the end of the course. Each paper is typically two hours long. Paper 1 is a non-calculator exam, while Paper 2 allows the use of a calculator.

Across both papers, questions range from structured problems to multi-step reasoning.

The assessment focuses on both accuracy and your ability to apply mathematical methods in unfamiliar contexts.

Are There Other IGCSE Additional Maths Courses?

Cambridge is the main provider of IGCSE Additional Mathematics.

Pearson Edexcel offers International GCSE Further Pure Mathematics, which covers similar advanced topics such as algebra, trigonometry and calculus. However, it follows a different structure and specification.

If you are unsure which course you are taking, check your exam board before starting revision.

How to Use Topic Lists for Revision

Topic lists are most effective when used actively as part of your revision plan.

You can use this list to:

• identify which topics you have already covered

• highlight areas that need more practice

• break your revision into manageable sections

• track your progress over time

Then you can:

• Review key topics with our revision notes

• Practise targeted questions using exam questions

• Try a mock exam

• Work through full past papers

Start by focusing on your weaker areas, then revisit topics regularly to build confidence and improve retention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to revise all IGCSE Additional Mathematics topics?

Yes. Any topic in the specification could appear in your exam, so it is important to revise the full course.

Is Additional Mathematics harder than IGCSE Maths?

Yes. It includes more advanced topics, such as calculus and complex algebra, and requires a higher level of problem-solving.

Do all topics appear in every exam paper?

No. Each paper samples different parts of the course, but across all papers the full specification can be tested.

Is this the same across all exam boards?

No. Cambridge offers Additional Mathematics (0606), while other exam boards offer different advanced maths courses with similar content.

Final Thoughts

Understanding your IGCSE Additional Mathematics topics is one of the most effective ways to improve your revision.

By breaking the course into clear topic areas, you can focus your revision, track your progress and make sure you are fully prepared for your exams.

Use this checklist throughout your revision to stay organised and confident in your progress. Explore our expert-written IGCSE Additional Mathematics revision notes, practice questions and model answers. We have everything you need to help build your confidence and improve your exam technique.

References

• Cambridge IGCSE Additional Mathematics (0606) (opens in a new tab)

• Cambridge IGCSE Additional Mathematics (0606) syllabus (2025–2027) (opens in a new tab)