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UPDATED TO 2023-2025 SYLLABUS

CAIE AS LEVEL
MATHEMATICS
SUMMARIZED NOTES ON THE THEORY SYLLABUS
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CAIE AS LEVEL MATHEMATICS

1. Velocity and Acceleration

1.1. Scalar vs. Vector Quantities
Scalar quantities only have magnitude (do not have
direction):
e.g., distance, speed, mass, and time (they all only
have magnitude)
Vector quantities have both magnitude and direction:
e.g., displacement, velocity, acceleration
can be positive or negative to show the direction
solution (a):
speed is the gradient of a distance-time graph. The line
1.2. Kinematics Equations between t = 5 and t = 10 is linear and so it has a constant
Δy
(can only be used when acceleration is a constant) speed. The gradient is = Δx = 150−50 ​
100
10−5 = 5 = 20. So the​ ​

speed of the particle between t = 5 and t = 10 is 20 ms−1

v = u + at
1 1
s = ut + at2 and s = vt − at2
2 2 solution (b):
​ ​

1 Here lets look at what we are given first. We have time (5

s= (u + v ) t seconds), we have initial velocity (as the particle starts from
2
​

rest, initial velocity = 0), and final velocity (which is the

v 2 = u2 + 2as answer to the previous question, as we are trying to find the
gradient of the graph at point B)
1.3. Displacement-Time Graph t = 5 s, u = 0 ms−1 , v = 20 ms−1
we can use the kinematic equation v = u + at (as
20−0 −2
acceleration is constant). a = v−u t = 5 = 4 ms​ ​

So the acceleration of the particle between t = 0 and t = 5

is = 4 ms−2

Gradient = velocity solution (c)

the particle passes through the point R at t = 15, which is a
1.4. Velocity-Time Graph distance of 200m from the starting point. after reaching
point R, the particle travels a further 200m from t = 15 to
t = 20. So the total distance traveled is 400m, which took 20
seconds to cover. avg speed = total distance/ total time =
400 = 20
20 ​

So the average speed of the particle during its motion is 20

ms−1
Gradient = acceleration
Area under graph = change in displacement 1.5. Average Velocity
{S22-P43} Question 3:

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CAIE AS LEVEL MATHEMATICS

For an object moving with constant acceleration over a Finding maximum height above a launch point use:
period of time, these quantities are equal:
The average velocity v 2 = u2 − 2as
The mean of initial & final velocities Let v = 0 and find s
Velocity when half the time has passed

1.6. Relative Velocities Finding time interval for which a particle is above a
given height:

Let the height be H and use

s = ut + 12 at2​

Let s = H
There will be a quadratic equation in t
Solve and find the difference between the 2 t’s to find
the time interval

Let sA be the distance travelled by A and sB for B

​ ​

{S04-P04} Question 7:
sA = ut + 1 2
sB = ut + 1 2 Particle P1 projected vertically upwards, from the horizontal
2 at 2 at
​

ground, with speed 30ms−1 . At same instant P2 projected

​ ​ ​

If a collision occurs at point C vertically upwards from tower height 25m, with speed
10ms−1
sA + sB = D
​ ​

1. Find the time for which P1 is higher than the top of

This gives you the time of when the collision occurred
​

the tower
Same analysis if motion is vertical
2. Find the velocities of the particles at the instant when
they are the same height
2. Force and Motion 3. Find the time for which P1 is higher than P2 and
moving upwards
​ ​

2.1. Newton’s Law Solution

Part (i)
Newton’s 1st Law of Motion: Substitute given values into displacement equation:
Object remains at rest or moves with constant velocity
1
unless an external force is applied 25 = (30) t − (10) t2
2
​

Newton’s 2nd Law of Motion:

5t2 + 30t − 25 = 0
F = ma
Solve quadratic for t
Newton’s 3rd Law of Motion:
If object A exerts a force on object B, then object B must t = 1s or 5s
exert a force of equal magnitude and opposite direction
back on object A. P1 reaches tower at t = 1 then passes it again when coming
​

down at t = 5s

3. Vertical Motion Therefore, time above tower = 5 − 1 = 4 seconds

Part (ii)
Displacement of P1 is S1 , and of P2 is S2 & relationship:
3.1. Introduction
​ ​ ​ ​

S1 = 25 + S2
​ ​

Weight: directly downwards

Create equations for S1 and S2
Normal contact force: perpendicular to place of contact
​ ​

1 1
S1 = 30t + (−10) t2 S2 = 10t + (−10) t2
3.2. Common Results of Vertical Motion 2 2
​ ​ ​ ​

Substitute back into the initial equation

Finding time taken to reach maximum height by a
projectile travelling in vertical motion: 1 1
30t + (−10) t2 = 25 + 10t + (−10) t2
2 2
​ ​

v = u + at

Let v = 0 and find t

The time taken to go up and come back to original
position would be double of this t

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CAIE AS LEVEL MATHEMATICS
Simple cancelling

t = 1.25s

Find velocities

v = u + at

V1 = 30 − 10 (1.25) = 17.5ms−1
​

V2 = 10 − 10 (1.25) = −2.5ms−1
​
Lami’s Theorem:

Part (iii) For any set of three forces P, Q and R, in equilibrium

We know when P1 and P2 at the same height t = 1.25s.
​ ​

Find the time taken to reach max height for P1 ​

v = u + at

V is 0 at max height
0 = 30 − 10t t = 3s
Time for P1 above P2 = 3 − 1.25 = 1.75 seconds
​ ​

4. Resolving Forces
P Q R
= =
4.1. Resolving Forces sin α sin β
​

sin γ
​ ​

If force F makes an angle θ with a given direction, the

effect of the force in that direction is F cos θ
5. Friction
F cos (90 − θ) = F sin θ 5.1. Introduction
F sin (90 − θ) = F cos θ
Friction = Coefficient of Friction × Contact Force
Forces in equilibrium: resultant = 0
F = μr
If drawn, forces will form a closed polygon
Friction always acts in the opposite direction of motion
Limiting equilibrium: on the point of moving, friction at
max (limiting friction)
Limiting equilibrium is also used to describe a situation
when the object is about to slip, where friction is at its
max
Smooth contact: friction negligible
Contact Force:
In situations where the particle is on a horizontal
plane, the contact force or reaction force is equal to
the weight of the particle (mg )
in situations where the particle is on an inclined
plane, the contact force or reaction force is equal to
Methods of working out forces in equilibrium:
the verticle component of the weight of the particle (
Construct a triangle and work out the forces
mgcos(θ))
Resolve forces in x and y directions; the sum of each
=0 {W11-P43} Question 6:

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CAIE AS LEVEL MATHEMATICS
The ring has a mass of 2kg . The horizontal rod is rough, and Max Value Min Value
the coefficient of friction between the ring and rod is 0.24.
Find the two values of T for which the ring is in limiting
equilibrium

The particle is about to move The particle is about slip

upThus, friction force acts downThus, frictional force acts
down the slope P = F + up the slopeF + P =
mgsinθ mgsinθ

{W12-P43} Question 6:

Solution
The ring is in limiting equilibrium in two different scenarios;
we have to find T in both:
Scenario 1: the ring is about to move upwards

Resultant = T sin 30 − f riction − W eight of Ring

Coefficient of friction is 0.36 and the particle is in
Since the system is in equilibrium, resultant = 0: equilibrium. Find the possible values of P
Contact F orce = T cos 30 Solution
The magnitude of friction on particle in both scenarios is the
∴ F riction = 0.24 × T cos 30 same but acting in opposite directions
Calculate the magnitude of friction first:
Substitute relevant information into to initial equation Contact F orce = 6 cos 25
∴ F riction = 0.36 × 6 cos 25
0 = T sin 30 − 0.24T cos 30 − 20
Scenario 1: particle is about to move upwards
T = 68.5N P = 6 sin 25 + F riction
P = 4.49N
Scenario 2: the ring is about to move downwards Scenario 2: particle is about to move downwards
This time, friction acts in the opposite direction since friction P = 6 sin 25 − f riction
opposes the direction of motion, thus: P = 0.578N
Resultant = T sin 30 + F riction − W eight of Ring
Using information from before:
6. Connected Particles
0 = T sin 30 + 0.24T cos 30 − 20 6.1. Introduction
T = 28.3N
Newton’s 3rd Law of Motion:
For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction
5.2. Equilibrium Question:
A train pulls two carriages:
Force required to keep a particle in equilibrium on a rough
plane

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CAIE AS LEVEL MATHEMATICS

The forward force of the engine is F = 2500N . Find the

acceleration and tension in each coupling. The resistance to
motion of A, B, and C are 90, 150, and 200N, respectively.
Solution:
To find acceleration, regard the system as a single object.
The internal T s cancel out and give:

2500 − (200 + 150 + 90) = 1900a

The strings are in equilibrium. The pegs are smooth. All the
∴ a = 1.08ms −2 weights are vertical. Find W1 and W2 ​ ​

Solution
To find T1 , look at C
​
Diagram showing how to resolve forces:

F − T1 − 200 = 1000a​

2500 − T1 − 200 = 1000 × 1.08

​

T1 = 1220N ​

To find T2 , look at A
​

T2 − 90 = 400a
​

T2 − 90 = 400 × 1.08
​

T1 = 522N ​

Resolving forces at A vertically:

6.2. Pulleys W1 cos 40 + W2 cos 60 = 5
​ ​

Resolving forces at A horizontally:

W1 sin 40 = W2 sin 60
​ ​

Substitute second equation into first:

2 sin 60
( Wsin 40 ) cos 40 + W2 cos 60 = 5
​

​ ​

Solve to find W2 : ​

W2 = 3.26N
​

Put this value back into the first equation to find W1 ​

W1 = 4.40N
​

{S12-P41} Question 6:

Equation 1:

∴ T = 2a

Equation 2:

3g − T = 3a
{W05-P04} Question 3:

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CAIE AS LEVEL MATHEMATICS
When P reaches the ground, only force acting on Q is its
own weight in the direction of slope = 3.2N
F = ma −3.2 = 0.4a
a = −8ms−2
Now calculate the time taken for Q to reach max height
This occurs when its final velocity is 0.
−8 = 0−2 t t2 = 0.25s
​ ​

Now do simple addition to find total time:

Total Time = 1.25 + 0.25 = 1.5s

6.3. Force Exerted by String on Pulley

P has a mass of 0.6kg and Q has a mass of 0.4kg . The
pulley and surface of both sides are smooth. The base of Pulley Case 1
triangle is horizontal. It is given that sin θ = 0.8. Initially Pulley Case 2
particles are held at rest on slopes with string taut. Particles
are released and move along the slope Pulley Case 3

1. Find tension in string. Find acceleration of particles

while both are moving.
2. Speed of P when it reaches the ground is 2ms−1 .
When P reaches the ground, it stops moving. Q
continues moving up slope but does not reach the Force on pulley = ‎2T
pulley. Given this, find the time when Q reaches its cos(1/2 θ)
maximum height above ground since the instant it Acts: inwards along
Force on pulley = dotted line which
was released T√2 bisects θ
Solution Force on pulley Acts: along dotted
line
Part (i) =‎2T
Effect of weight caused by P in direction of slope: Acts: downwards
Effect of weight = mg sin θ where sin θ = 0.8
Effect of weight = 4.8N 6.4. Two Particles
Effect of weight caused by Q in direction of slope:
Effect of weight = 0.4 × 10 × 0.8 = 3.2N {S10-P43} Question 7:
Body P has greater mass than body Q so when released P
moves down Q moves up on their slopes ∴
4.8 − T = 0.6a
T − 3.2 = 0.4a
Solve simultaneous equations:
4.8−T = T −3.2 T = 3.84N
0.6 ​

0.4 ​

Substitute back into initial equations to find a:

4.8 − 3.84 = 0.6a a = 1.6ms−2
Part (ii) A and B are rectangular boxes of identical sizes and are at
Use kinematics equations to find the time which it takes P rest on rough horizontal plane. A mass = 200kg and B
to reach the ground: mass = 250kg . If P ≤ 3150 boxes remain at rest. If P >
2−0 3150 boxes move
a = v−ut and t = 1.6
​ ​

t1 = 1.25s
​

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CAIE AS LEVEL MATHEMATICS

1. Find coefficient of friction between B and floor εf is the final kinetic energy of the object
​

2. Coefficient of friction between boxes is 0.2. Given εi is the initial kinetic energy of the object
​

that P > 3150 and no sliding occurs between boxes. (Work)engine is the energy caused by driving force acting
​

Show that the acceleration of boxes is not greater on the object

than 2ms−2 (Work)friction is the energy used up by frictional force or
​

3. Find the maximum possible value of P in the above any resistive force
scenario

Solution {S05-P04} Question 7:

Part (i) Car travelling on horizontal straight road, mass 1200kg.
Power of car engine is 20kW and constant. Resistance to
F = μN motion of car is 500N and constant. Car passes point A
F = to max P that does not move the boxes with speed 10ms−1 . Car passes point B with speed
N = to contact force of both boxes acting on floor 25ms−1 . Car takes 30.5s to move from A to B .

∴ 3150 = μ × (2000 + 2500) 1. Find acceleration of the car at A

2. Find distance AB by considering work & energy
μ = 0.7
Solution:
Part (ii) Part (i)
Find frictional force between A and B : Use formula for power to find the force at A
F = 0.2 × 2000 F = 400N
P = Fv
Use Newton’s Second Law of Motion to find max
acceleration for which boxes do not slide (below F ) 20000 = 10F Driving f orce = 2000N
400 = 200a a = 2ms−2
Part (iii) We must take into account the resistance to motion
P has to cause an acceleration of 2ms−2 on B which will
∴ F = Driving F orce − Resistance = 2000 − 500
pass on to A as they are connected bodies
Simply implement Newton’s Second Law of Motion F = 1500
∴ P = (200 + 250) (2) + 3150 Use Newton’s Second Law to find acceleration:
The 3150 comes from the force required to overcome the 1500
friction 1500 = 1200a a= = 1.25ms−2
1200
​

P = 900 + 3150 = 4050N

Part (ii)
Use power formula to find work done by engine:
7. Work, Energy and Power w.d.
P = ​

t
7.1. Introduction 20000 = w.d. w.d. = 610000J
30.5 ​

Principle of Conservation of Energy There is change in kinetic energy of the car so that means
some work done by the engine was due to this:
Energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only be
changed into other forms. k.E. at A = 12 1200 (10)2 k.E. at B = 12 1200 (25)2
​ ​

Work Done: W = F s Change in k.E. = k.E. at B − k.E. at A

Kinetic Energy: Ek = 12 mv 2
​ ​

Change in k.E. = 375000 − 60000 = 315000

Gravitational Potential Energy: EP = mgh
​

Power: P = W T and P = F v
​ There is also some work done against resistive force of
500N ; due to law of conservation of energy, this leads us to
7.2. Changes in Energy the main equation:

w.d. by engine = change in k.E + w.d. against resist

εf − εi = (Work)engine − (W ork )f riction
​ ​ ​ ​

610000 = 315000 + 500s

610000 − 315000 295000
s= = = 590m
500 500
​ ​

8. Momentum
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CAIE AS LEVEL MATHEMATICS

Linear momentum is a vector quantity, having the same 16 = 5v

direction as the velocity.
The units of momentum are Ns 16
v= = 3.2 ms−1
5
​

M omentum = mass × velocity p = mv

Principle of conservation of linear momentum: when 9. General Motion in a
bodies in a system interact, total momentum remains
constant provided no external force acts on the system. Straight Line
When both particles A and B move in the same direction

mA u A + mB u B = mA v A + mB v B
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

When both particles A and B move towards each other

mA u A − mB u B = mA v A + mB v B
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

When both particles stick together, their velocity

becomes the same after impact and can be considered Particle at instantaneous rest, v = 0
as a single particle with a combined mass. Maximum displacement from origin, v = 0
mA uA + mB uB = (mA + mB )v
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
Maximum velocity, a = 0

{SP20-P04} Question 3:
Three small smooth spheres A, B and C of equal radii and of {W10-P42} Question 7:
masses 4 kg, 2 kg and 3 kg respectively, lie in that order in a Particle P travels in straight line. It passes point O with
straight line on a smooth horizontal plane. Initially, B and C velocity 5ms−1 at time t = 0s.
are at rest and A is moving towards B with speed 6ms-1. P ’s velocity after leaving O given by:
After the collision with B, sphere A continues to move in the
v = 0.002t3 − 0.12t2 + 1.8t + 5
same direction but with speed 2ms-1
i) Find the speed of B after this collision v of P is increasing when: 0 < t < T1 and t > T2 ​ ​

ii) Sphere B collides with C. In this collision these two v of P is decreasing when: T1 < t < T2 ​ ​

spheres coalesce to form an object D. Find the speed of D i) Find the values of T1 and T2 and distance OP when t =
after this collision
​ ​

T2
Solution:
​

ii) Find v of P when t = T2 and sketch velocity-time graph

Part (i)
​

Calculate momentum of system before collision: for the motion of P

Solution
p = mv Part (i)
Find stationary points of v ; maximum is where t = T1 and ​

p = (4 × 6) + 2 (0) + 3 (0) = 24 kgms−1 minimum is where t = T2 ​

Calculate momentum of system after collision:

dv
p = (4 × 2) + 2v = 0.006t2 − 0.24t + 1.8
dt
​

dv
Apply conservation of momentum: Stationary points occur where dt ​ =0

total momentum bef ore = total momentum af ter ∴ 0.006t2 − 0.24t + 1.8 = 0

24 = 8 + 2v v = 16
2 = 8.0 ms
−1 ​
Solve for t in simple quadratic fashion:
Part (ii)
Calculate momentum of system before collision: t = 30 and 10

p = (8 × 2) + (3 × 0) = 16 kgms−1 Naturally T1 comes before T2

​ ​

Calculate momentum of system after collision: ∴ T1 = 10s

​
and T2 = 30
​

Note: The masses B and C combine to form D

Finding distance OP by integrating
p = ( 2 + 3) v 30
∴s=∫ vdt
p = 5v
​

Apply conservation of momentum:

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CAIE AS LEVEL MATHEMATICS
30
s=∫ ​ (0.002t3 − 0.12t2 + 1.8t + 5) dt
0
30
s = [0.0005t4 − 0.04t3 + 0.9t2 + 5t]0 ​

s = 285 m
Part (ii)
Do basic substitution to find v

v = 0.002t3 − 0.12t2 + 1.8t + 5 Part (ii)

First find s when t = 20, this will produce a constant since
t = 30 v=5
20 ≤ t ≤ 26
To draw graph, find v of P at T1 using substitution and plot
​

1 1
roughly s1 = (8) (8) + (8 + 2) (12) = 92m
2 2
​ ​ ​

v at T1 = 13
​

Finding s when 20 ≤ t ≤ 26:

Graph: 1
s = ut + at2
2
​

Since the distance before 20 seconds has already been

taken into consideration:

t = t − 20
6.5 − 2
a=
6
​

a = 0.75
1
∴ s2 = 2 (t − 20) + (0.75) (t − 20)2
2
​ ​

{S13-P42} Question 6:
Particle P moves in a straight line. Starts at rest at point O s2 = 2t − 40 + 150 + 0.375t2 − 15t
​

and moves towards a point A on the line. During first 8

seconds, P ’s speed increases to 8ms−1 with constant s2 = 0.375t2 − 13t + 110
​

acceleration. During next 12 seconds P ’s speed decreases to Finally, add both to give you s
2ms−1 with constant deceleration. P then moves with
constant acceleration for 6 seconds reaching point A with s = s1 + s2
​ ​

speed 6.5ms−1
s = 0.375t2 − 13t + 110 + 92
1. Sketch velocity-time graph for P ’s motion
s = 0.375t2 − 13t + 202
2. The displacement of P from O, at time t seconds
after P leaves O, is s metres. Shade region of the
velocity-time graph representing s for a value of t
where 20 ≤ t ≤ 26
3. Show that for 20 ≤ t ≤ 26,

s = 0.375t2 − 13t + 202

Solution:
Part (i) and (ii)

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CAIE AS Level
Mathematics

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