Preparing for your Cambridge IGCSE Maths (0580) exam? Whether you're taking the Core or Extended paper, this comprehensive revision guide will help you master every topic and achieve your target grade. With over 500,000 students worldwide sitting the Cambridge IGCSE Maths exam each year, competition is fierce – but the right revision strategy can make all the difference.
AI Examify is designed specifically for Cambridge IGCSE Maths students, offering instant AI marking, step-by-step solutions, and adaptive practice that targets your weak topics. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about the 0580 syllabus, the best revision techniques, and how to use past papers effectively.
In this guide, you'll learn:
- The complete Cambridge IGCSE Maths 0580 syllabus breakdown for Core and Extended.
- Which topics carry the most marks and where to focus your revision.
- How to use past papers and AI marking to accelerate your progress.
- Week-by-week revision strategies for Year 10 and Year 11 students.
Understanding the Cambridge IGCSE Maths 0580 Syllabus
The Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics syllabus (0580) is divided into two tiers: Core (grades C–G) and Extended (grades A*–E). Understanding which tier you're sitting and the topic weightings is crucial for effective revision.
Core vs Extended: Key Differences
| Aspect | Core (0580) | Extended (0580) |
|---|---|---|
| Grade Range | C to G | A* to E |
| Papers | Paper 1 (1hr) + Paper 3 (2hr) | Paper 2 (1.5hr) + Paper 4 (2.5hr) |
| Calculator | Paper 1: No | Paper 3: Yes | Paper 2: No | Paper 4: Yes |
| Difficulty | Foundation-level content | Includes all Core + advanced topics |
Topic Weightings by Strand
| Topic Strand | Approx. Weighting | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Number | 15–20% | Fractions, percentages, ratio, standard form, surds |
| Algebra | 25–30% | Equations, inequalities, sequences, functions, graphs |
| Geometry | 20–25% | Angles, transformations, circle theorems, vectors |
| Mensuration | 10–15% | Area, volume, surface area, similarity |
| Trigonometry | 10–15% | SOHCAHTOA, sine/cosine rules, 3D trigonometry |
| Statistics & Probability | 10–15% | Averages, histograms, probability trees, cumulative frequency |
Best Revision Strategies for Cambridge IGCSE Maths
1. Topic-by-Topic Mastery
Don't just do full past papers from day one. Start by mastering individual topics. Use AI Examify to practise questions on specific areas like algebraic fractions, circle theorems, or probability without replacement. The AI will instantly mark your answers and show you exactly where you went wrong.
2. Past Paper Practice with Instant Feedback
Past papers are essential, but the real learning happens when you understand your mistakes. With AI Examify, you can:
- Answer questions using handwriting just like in the real exam.
- Get instant AI marking against Cambridge mark-scheme standards.
- Receive step-by-step explanations for every question you get wrong.
- Track your weak topics on a personalised dashboard.
3. Focus on High-Mark Questions
In the Extended paper, questions worth 6–8 marks often cover multi-step problems involving algebra, trigonometry, or coordinate geometry. Practising these regularly is crucial for achieving A* or A grades.
Get instant feedback on Cambridge IGCSE Maths questions
Try AI Examify FreeWeek-by-Week IGCSE Maths Revision Plan
Here's a suggested 8-week revision plan for Cambridge IGCSE Maths (Extended). Adjust based on your exam date and current confidence levels.
| Week | Focus Topics | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Number & Algebra basics | Topic questions on AI Examify, review notes |
| 3–4 | Geometry & Trigonometry | Circle theorems, sine/cosine rules, 3D problems |
| 5–6 | Statistics, Probability & Functions | Histograms, probability trees, graph transformations |
| 7–8 | Full past papers | Timed practice, review weak areas, exam technique |
Common Mistakes in Cambridge IGCSE Maths (And How to Avoid Them)
- Not showing working: Cambridge awards method marks. Even if your final answer is wrong, you can pick up marks for correct working.
- Rounding too early: Keep full calculator values until the final step. Rounding mid-calculation loses accuracy marks.
- Forgetting units: Always include units in your final answer where required (cm², m³, etc.).
- Rushing the non-calculator paper: Paper 2 (Extended) tests mental arithmetic. Practise without a calculator regularly.
- Ignoring weak topics: Many students avoid topics they find hard. Use AI Examify to identify and systematically improve on these areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the pass mark for Cambridge IGCSE Maths?
Grade boundaries vary each exam session. Typically, a grade C (pass) on Extended requires around 45–55% of the total marks. For Core, a grade C usually needs 55–65%. Check the Cambridge website for the most recent grade thresholds.
How many past papers should I do before my exam?
Aim for at least 6–10 full past papers under timed conditions. However, quality matters more than quantity – make sure you review every mistake thoroughly. AI Examify helps by providing instant explanations so you learn faster.
What calculator is allowed for Cambridge IGCSE Maths?
You can use a scientific calculator for Papers 3 (Core) and 4 (Extended). Graphical calculators are allowed but not required. Make sure you're familiar with your calculator's functions before the exam.
Is Cambridge IGCSE Maths harder than GCSE?
The Extended paper (0580) is generally considered slightly more challenging than GCSE Higher Tier, particularly for topics like functions, set notation, and vectors. However, both qualifications are highly respected and prepare students well for A-Levels.
Can I use AI to help me revise for IGCSE Maths?
Yes! AI Examify is specifically designed for Cambridge IGCSE Maths (0580). You can practise questions by topic, get instant AI marking on handwritten answers, and receive personalised feedback that helps you improve faster than traditional revision methods.
Conclusion: Start Your IGCSE Maths Revision Today
Success in Cambridge IGCSE Maths comes from consistent practice, understanding your mistakes, and focusing on your weak areas. With AI Examify, you get the instant feedback and personalised guidance that traditional revision methods can't provide.
Your Next Steps:
- Identify whether you're sitting Core or Extended and know your target grade.
- Use the topic weightings above to prioritise your revision.
- Start practising with AI Examify to get instant marking and feedback.
- Complete timed past papers in the final weeks before your exam.
Questions about IGCSE Maths revision? DM us on X: @AIExamify. We're here to help you achieve your best grade!
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