AS MATHS TOPIC AREAS:

It’s vital that your notes are filed adequately.

Separate your files into these sections and make

sure you have appropriate notes regarding all of
these assessment criteria.

If you do not have appropriate notes or examples,

it is vital that you go through the textbook in
order to create some, for revision purposes.

REMOVE THE STAPLES AND PUT THESE PAGES AT

THE FRONT OF EACH SECTION OF YOUR PURE
MATHS FILE!
 AS MATHS: Pure Mathematics
CONTENT AREA: Indices, Surds, Basic Quadratic
Skills and Rational Algebra
DATE(S) Confident Confident Confident Confident
STUDIED for mock for exam Aug.2023 May.2023
Split a fraction with a common denominator into separate
terms and simplify terms to index form
Convert between index and working form and use this to
convert an equation into a solvable form.
Use the laws of indices to evaluate expressions

Solve index equations

Rationalise the denominator of an expression with a 1 term

surd denominator
Rationalise the denominator of an expression with a 2 term
surd denominator
Be able to factorise quadratic functions, and simple cubics with
a factor of x
Find the roots of quadratics ‘manually’, using the quadratic
formula (ABC formula)
Cancel fraction
 END OF TOPIC CHECKLIST
AS MATHS: Pure Mathematics
CONTENT AREA: Coordinate Geometry in an x,y
plane, pt.1 – Straight Lines
DATE(S) Confident Confident Confident Confident
STUDIED for mock for exam Aug.2022 May.2023
Understand and use function notation

Calculate the gradient of a straight line and identify

negative and positive gradients on a diagram
Calculate the equation of a straight line given two points

Be familiar with and use straight lines given in all three

forms;
𝑦−𝑦1=𝑚(𝑥−𝑥1)
𝑦=𝑚𝑥+𝑐
𝑎𝑥+𝑏𝑦+𝑐=0
Find the roots, y-intercepts and other points from a given
coordinate for lines in all three forms
Sketch a straight line, labelling the root and y-intercept

Find missing vertices of a shape by making use of patterns

of horizontal and vertical distance
Find the midpoint of a line segment

Work out perpendicular gradients and use 𝑚 × 𝑚 = −1

to show if lines are perpendicular or not
Calculate the distance between two points using
Pythagoras’ Theorem
Use knowledge of the geometric properties of shapes
made up of straight lines to solve problems involving area
and perimeter, as well as problems based around
perpendicular gradients
Model direct proportion in variables using straight lines
and interpret given models
 END OF TOPIC CHECKLIST
AS MATHS: Pure Mathematics
CONTENT AREA: Coordinate Geometry Pt.2:
Circles
DATE(S) Confident Confident Confident Confident
STUDIED for mock for exam Aug.2022 May.2023
Complete the square in order to rearrange a circle in the
form (𝑥 − 𝑎) + (𝑦 − 𝑏) = 𝑟 and identify the centre
(a,b) and radius (r)
Find the points on a circle to correspond to a given x or y
value.
Find the centre point and radius of a circle when given two
points that create a diameter.
Find the tangent to a circle at a given point by using the
rule that a tangent and radius meet at 90-degrees.
Use the rule that a right angled-triangle within a circle
must involve points creating a diameter
Solve problems involving the perpendicular radius to a
chord, bisects the chords.
Solve geometric problems relating to circles, with links to
Pythagoras, circle theorems, bisectors of chords and
trigonometry
 END OF TOPIC CHECKLIST
AS MATHS: Pure Mathematics
CONTENT AREA: Algebra and Functions Pt.1: Introduction
to polynomial equations and their graphs + Transformations
DATE(S) Confident Confident Confident Confident
STUDIED for mock for exam Aug.2022 May.2023
Understand and use function notation and
terminology, including domain and range and being
able to interpret the validity of solutions.
Define the discriminant of a quadratic function and
understand how the discriminant links to the number
of roots the graph has/the number of solutions an
equation has
Use the quadratic function on the Casio FX991-ex
(MODE:A) in order to find the roots of an equation
and/or the turning point of the graph
Sketch a quadratic graph, labelling the y-intercept and
roots. Furthermore, be able to sketch graphs without
roots by evaluating the completing the square form to
find the minimum/maximum point
Sketch cubic and quartic graphs from given
roots/factorised form
Solve quartic equations and other advanced functions
that can be written in the form 𝑎(𝑥 ) + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 = 0,
by making an appropriate substitution
Complete the square on quadratic functions to
represent them in the form p(x+q)^2+r, and use this
form to state the vertex of your graph
Apply the above skills to modelling scenarios

Transform graphs using single transformations

affecting x or y, including transformations involving
algebraic values.
 END OF TOPIC CHECKLIST
AS MATHS: Pure Mathematics
CONTENT AREA: Polynomial Algebra Pt.2 –
Inequalities, Reciprocal Functions and
Simultaneous Equations
DATE(S) Confident Confident Confident Confident
STUDIED for mock for exam Aug.2022 May.2023
Solve basic linear inequalities using standard
algebraic practice
Solve simultaneous linear inequalities and
define a solution that satisfies a two inequality
region
Solve quadratic inequalities using an
appropriate diagram or sketch
Present solutions using set notation when
required
Apply quadratic inequalities to discriminant
problems
Apply quadratic inequalities to modelling
problems
Solve quadratic inequalities in the form f(x) >
g(x)
Apply quadratic inequalities to differentiation,
understand "increasing function" means dy/dx >
0 and "decreasing function" means dy/dx < 0,
including giving a solution in interval notation.
Sketch and shade inequality regions, using solid
and dotted lines when appropriate
Sketch reciprocal functions based on y =1/x and
y = 1/x^2 , by applying appropriate
transformations; including identifying and
labelling asymptotes and any points of
intersection with the coordinate axis
Interpret functions on a graph to indicate the
number of solutions to a related equation.
Solve simultaneous equations in order to find
the points of intersection of 2 curves
Apply the discriminant to simultaneous
equations problems to identify the number of
solutions, such as knowing that a tangent and
curve give a discriminant of zero, and when
there are no points of intersection potentially
solving a quadratic inequality
 END OF TOPIC CHECKLIST
AS MATHS: Pure Mathematics
CONTENT AREA: Differentiation
DATE(S) Confident Confident Confident Confident
STUDIED for mock for exam Aug.2022 May.2023
Use the formula for first principles as a proof of the
differentiation method

Differentiate a function written in index form

Use the first differential as a gradient function, to find

the coordinates of a certain gradient value, or the
gradient at a point.
Solve problems relating to tangents when given an x-
coordinate
Solve problems relating to tangents/normals when given
a gradient of the line
Solve problems relating to normals when given an x-
coordinate
Solve problems relating to tangents/normals when given
perpendicular gradients of a line
Identify the stationary points of a curve by setting and
solving dy/dx = 0
Find the 2nd differential of a function

Identify the nature of stationary points (max or min) by

using the 2nd differential method
Identify the nature of stationary points by using the
gradient inspection method
Sketching and interpreting graphs of gradient functions

Modelling with differentiation, based on a single variable

Modelling with differentiation, based on two variables

Differentiate basic exponential terms such that; 𝑦 =

𝑒 → = 𝑘𝑒 . [See Exponentials and Logs]
Determine whether a function is increasing or decreasing

Apply quadratic inequalities to differentiation,

understand "increasing function" means dy/dx > 0 and
"decreasing function" means dy/dx < 0, including giving a
solution in interval notation.
 END OF TOPIC CHECKLIST
AS MATHS: Pure Mathematics
CONTENT AREA: Integration
DATE(S) Confident Confident Confident Confident
STUDIED for mock for exam Aug.2022 May.2023
Integrate a function in index form, remembering + c

Integrate a gradient function to find an equation for a curve,

using a given point to find the numerical value of +c
Complete the process of definite integration with given
limits
Use a given integral solution to find unknowns within the
original function
Use definite integration to find the area between a curve
and the x-axis
Solve problems involving integration to find areas when a
curve moves above and below the x-axis.
Integrate to find the area between a curve and a line, by
finding the integral of (curve - line) or (line - curve).
Solve problems involving integration and shapes, including
rectangles, triangles and trapezia.
 END OF TOPIC CHECKLIST
AS MATHS: Pure Mathematics
CONTENT AREA: Polynomial Algebra Pt.3:
Binomial Expansion, Factor Theorem and
Polynomial Division
DATE(S) Confident Confident Confident Confident
STUDIED for mock for exam Aug.2022 May.2023
Understand the notation used within the binomial
expansion, and how the coefficient part is interlinked with
Pascal’s triangle.
Apply the binomial expansion formula to a given power of
x, including negative or fractional bx values.
Understand what a sign change does to the binomial
expansion, linked to odd and even powers.
Use the binomial expansion to find approximations of a
number, by substituting in an appropriate value of x.
Find estimates of more complicated expansions by
multiplying a binomial Expression.
Solve problems involving the coefficients of the binomial
expansion, relating to proportional values
Use the factor theorem to prove if a given bracket is a
factor, or to find an unknown constant in an equation
Use the remainder theorem to find a remainder, or to find
an unknown constant in an equation (when a remainder is
given)
Solve problems relating to factor/remainder theorem and
simultaneous equations
Use the remainder theorem to identify a bracket factor of
a cubic in the form 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐𝑥 + 𝑑 by checking
factors of d
Use an appropriate method of polynomial division in order
to separate a cubic into (linear)(quadratic) in order to fully
factorise or solve
 END OF TOPIC CHECKLIST
AS MATHS: Pure Mathematics
CONTENT AREA: Trigonometric Geometry (Shapes
and Graphs)
DATE(S) Confident Confident Confident Confident
STUDIED for mock for exam Aug.2022 May.2023
Know and use basic SOHCAHTOA to find angles or side
lengths relating to right angled triangles – including linking
to knowledge of circle theorems
Use SOHCAHTOA and Pythagoras in order to find exact
values of other trigonometric ratios.
Remember and apply the sine rule to non-right angled
triangles, to find:
 A missing angle, opposite a known side; when 2
sides and 1 opposite angle are known
 A missing side, opposite a known angle; when 1
side and 2 opposite angles are known
Know that the 2nd solution for sine functions is 180 – x, and
interpret this with relation to the sine rule anomaly.
Remember and apply the cosine rule to non-right angled
triangles, to find;
 A missing side, opposite a known angle; when the
other 2 sides are known
 A missing angle; when the other 3 sides are known
Remember and use the formula 𝑎𝑏𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐶 in order to find
the area of a triangle
Solve problems linked to trigonometric geometry, which
may be linked to vectors or including angles in a given
direction, or use of bearings etc.
Recognise and sketch the graphs of 𝑦 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥, 𝑦 =
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑥 for any given region, labelling the roots
and any asymptotes that relate to the graphs.
Apply transformations to the graphs of trigonometric
functions for a given region, labelling the roots and any
asymptotes that relate to the graphs.
 END OF TOPIC CHECKLIST
AS MATHS: Pure Mathematics
CONTENT AREA: Trigonometric Functions,
Identities and Equations
DATE(S) Confident Confident Confident Confident
STUDIED for mock for exam Aug.2022 May.2023
Remember and apply the Pythagorean Identity sin 𝑥 +
cos 𝑥 = 1, rearranging this in order to rearrange a function
in terms of only sine or cosine, where appropriate
Remember and apply the gradient identity 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑥 = ,
rearranging this or using this in order to solve appropriate
equations.

Apply mathematical knowledge of the difference of two

square of putting fractions over a common denominator in
order to solve identity problems.
Know the rules for finding 2nd solutions:
𝑆𝐼𝑁(𝑥) = 𝑆𝐼𝑁(180 − 𝑥)
𝑇𝐴𝑁(𝑥) = 𝑇𝐴𝑁(180 + 𝑥)
𝐶𝑂𝑆(𝑥) = 𝐶𝑂𝑆(360 − 𝑥)
And apply these to given problems
Use knowledge that for every 360 degrees you generally
expect 2 solutions for each “strand”, and cycle through
solutions by adding or subtracting 360 from an already
established solution
Solve Compound Angle problems such as cos(2𝑥) =
𝑜𝑟 tan(3𝑥 − 10) = 3 by making an appropriate solution
𝑢 = 2𝑥 𝑜𝑟 𝑢 = 3𝑥 − 10, recalculating the domain of the
function, solving for u (ALL OF THE SOLUTIONS IN A RANGE)
and then undoing your values to find x
Solve quadratic problems (including simple cos 𝑥 = ) ,
potentially including use of the Pythagorean Identity, by
solving into two strands, collating solutions separately before
combining at the end.
Solve problems involving sine and cosine but no-squared
values by using the gradient identity, ÷ 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 to turn the
equation into tanx.
Solve problems involving tan and sine by multiplying by
cosine, and factorising out sine for two different solution
strands
Solve problems involving tan and cosine by multiplying by
cosine and turning it into a quadratic.
 END OF TOPIC CHECKLIST
AS MATHS: Pure Mathematics
CONTENT AREA: Vectors
DATE(S) Confident Confident Confident Confident
STUDIED for mock for exam Aug.2022 May.2023
Understand and use the formula relating to position vectors of
A and B, such that
AB = OB – OA.
And rearrange, such that OB = OA + AB
Use the triangle law of vectors, that
AC = AB + BC
Recognise, write and convert two dimensional vectors in the
forms of “i and j” notation and “column vectors”.
Calculate the gradient of a vector, as the sum of j/sum of i.
Identify if vectors are parallel, by interpreting gradients, or
factorising to get the same directional component.
Find a magnitude of a vector (|v|) by using Pythagoras
Theorem
Find a unit vector parallel to a given vector by using the formula
𝑣 = | |.
Solve problems involving vectors of a given magnitude, parallel
to a given vector by using the gradient to break Pythagoras into
a required proportion.
Calculate the angles of two dimensional vectors, broken into
horizontal/vertical components (eg. i and j) using SOHCAHTOA
or the formulae

∑𝑖
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 =
|𝑣|
∑𝑗
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 =
|𝑣|
Determine the angle of measure in three ways; as a bearing,
measured from the i axis, or measured from the j axis,
determining direction for the latter two.
Use ratios in order to solve problems involving collinear points.

Prove that an intersection point bisects two vector lines; by

setting up two paths to the intersection and then using the
substitution 1 − 𝜇 = 𝜆
Solve contextual problems relating to vectors. Interlinking with
concepts of mechanics, such as F=ma. V=u+at and
displacement.
 END OF TOPIC CHECKLIST
AS MATHS: Pure Mathematics
CONTENT AREA: Proof
DATE(S) Confident Confident Confident Confident
STUDIED for mock for exam Aug.2022 May.2023
Use disproof by contradiction – by providing one scenario
where something doesn’t work (generally involving
negative substitution)
Use very basic numerical proof by exhaustion, to show for
given substitutions whether a proof is accurate between
given bounds
Define values within algebraic proof. Such as;
Even number = 2n
Odd number = 2n + 1
Two consecutive odd numbers = 2n+1, 2n+3
Etc.
Use proof by exhaustion for integers by breaking numbers
into categories; eg, odd/even, or divisible by 3/remainder
of 1 when divided by 3/remainder of 2 when divided by 3,
for example.
Use proof by deduction regarding algebraic and geometric
rules, so solve problems relating to Pythagoras, area,
divisibility, odd/even values etc.
KEY SCENARIO 1: Determine the nature of a turning point
by using the 2nd differential.
KEY SCENARIO 2: Prove perpendicular-ity in lines using; m1
x m2 = -1, and link this to shapes which have right-angles.
KEY SCENARIO 3: Complete differentiation via first
principles
KEY SCENARIO 4: Prove that a line is a tangent to a
curve/circle, by substituting into the quadratic, eliminating
a variable, and proving the discriminant = 0.
KEY SCENARIO 5: Prove that a function > 0 or function < 0
by;
1) Completing the square and identifying the
minimum/maximum output from the vertex.
2) Showing that the discriminant is negative, and
using the shape of the graph
KEY SCENARIO 6: Solve further problems involving the
discriminant in order to prove inequality solutions –
including intersections or roots.
KEY SCENARIO 7: Use trigonometric identities to rearrange
trig functions.
 AS MATHS: Pure Mathematics
CONTENT AREA: Exponentials and Logarithms
DATE(S) Confident Confident Confident Confident
STUDIED for mock for exam Aug.2022 May.2023
Sketch the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑎 and 𝑦 = 𝑒 and apply
transformations using general function methods.
Use the first law of logs to convert between forms to solve basic
exponential functions;
“What power of ‘a’ equals y, the answer is x”
𝑦 = 𝑎 <=> 𝑙𝑜𝑔 𝑦 = 𝑥
𝑦 = 𝑒 <=> ln (𝑦) = 𝑥
Differentiate basic exponential terms such that; 𝑦 = 𝑒 → =
𝑘𝑒 .
Solve exponential equations that follow the form of a quadratic
by making appropriate substitutions; eg. 𝑒 − 3(𝑒 ) + 2 = 0.
Use the power law of logarithms;
𝑙𝑜𝑔 (𝑥 ) = 𝑛𝑙𝑜𝑔 (𝑥)
ln(𝑥 ) = 𝑛𝑙𝑛(𝑥)
In order to solve problems involving;
1) Exponential equations with different base numbers; eg.
3 =5 by taking logs of both sides and bring down
powers.
2) Logarithmic equations, by bringing the power back into
the logarithm in order to combine logarithmic functions.
Use the addition and subtraction laws of logarithms
ln(𝑎) + ln(𝑏) = ln(𝑎𝑏)
𝑎
ln(𝑎) − ln(𝑏) = ln
𝑏
To solve logarithmic equations, or to represent logarithms in
forms of different variables.
Understand and use specialist rules, such as;
𝑙𝑜𝑔 (𝑎) = 1
𝑙𝑛(𝑒) = 1
𝑙𝑜𝑔 (1) = 0
1
−𝑙𝑜𝑔 (𝑥) = 𝑙𝑜𝑔 (𝑥 ) = 𝑙𝑜𝑔
𝑥
Solve modelling questions involving logarithms, generally
relating to time.
Solve differentiation problems involving e-functions, and rate of
change.
Formulate a proof that 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 can be represented in a linear
form as
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑦 = 𝑛𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑥 + 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎
Y = logy, M = n, X = logx, C = loga
Formulate a proof that 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑏 can be represented in a linear
form as
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑦 = 𝑥𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑏 + 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎
Y = logy, M = logb, X = x, C = loga
Plot the linear function of log(y) against x

Plot the linear function of log(y) against log(x)

Solve problems involving conversion between linear and

exponential form, finding values of the original function by
interpreting elements of the line such as y-intercept and
gradient.