Cambridge International AS & A Level Maths past papers (9709)

Paper structure

• You do not sit every component — your entry is a specific combination, so check it before downloading papers.
• A calculator is not permitted in Paper 1 (Pure Mathematics 1); the other components allow one.
• Pure Mathematics 3 builds directly on Pure Mathematics 2 content, so the two are best revised together.

Paper structure reflects the current specification. Grade boundaries and exam dates change every series — always check the board's published documents for your own series.

How to revise with past papers

1. 1. Identify your exact component combination

   Confirm which of Papers 1–6 you are entered for, then filter every past paper you attempt to that list.

2. 2. Practise Pure 1 without a calculator

   Paper 1 is sat without a calculator, so exact surd, trigonometric and logarithmic work has to be automatic.

3. 3. Work in the required accuracy

   Cambridge mark schemes expect answers to 3 significant figures unless stated otherwise; keep full precision in working and round only at the end.

4. 4. Review with the mark scheme and examiner report

   Cambridge publishes examiner reports that name the common errors for each series — read them alongside the mark scheme after each paper.

Common questions

Which papers do I sit for Cambridge A Level Maths 9709?

It depends on your entry. AS candidates commonly sit Pure Mathematics 1 with one applied component; full A Level candidates usually add Pure Mathematics 3 and a second applied component.

Is a calculator allowed in Cambridge 9709?

A calculator is not permitted in Paper 1 (Pure Mathematics 1). Calculators are allowed in the other components.

What is the difference between Pure 2 and Pure 3?

Pure 3 covers the Pure 2 content and extends it with vectors, differential equations and complex numbers, and it is a longer paper worth 75 marks.

Is 9709 the same as UK A Level Maths?

No. It is Cambridge's international specification with a component-based structure, although a large amount of the mathematics overlaps with UK A Level Maths.