0580

Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics (0580) - February-March 2022 Past Papers

Download 10 free IGCSE Mathematics past papers, mark schemes, and examiner reports from the February-March 2022 Cambridge examination session. Includes question papers for all variants with full solutions.

About IGCSE Mathematics (0580)

IGCSE Mathematics covers number, algebra, geometry, statistics, and probability across Core and Extended tiers. Candidates must solve problems using mathematical techniques and show clear working for method marks.

What this exam tests: Key skills include algebraic manipulation, geometric reasoning, statistical analysis, and problem-solving.

Papers available in variants 11, 12, 13 for different time zones. All variants cover the same Mathematics syllabus with equal difficulty.

Grade Thresholds

Study Resources for Mathematics

Prepare for your exam with these complementary resources:

Flashcards
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Practice Quiz
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0580 February-March 2022 Papers

0580 Paper 1 - Core (Short Answer)

1 hr • 56 marks

Tests broad syllabus knowledge with 40 questions. Each question has four options (A-D). Core tier paper.

Question Paper
Mark Scheme
QP + MS QP + ER

All variants (different time zones):

QP:
v2
MS:
v2
View syllabus topics tested in Paper 1 (2 topics, 56 marks total)

This 0580 Paper 1 from February-March 2022 tests 2 different syllabus topics. The highest-weighted topic is Types of number (Number) worth 6 marks out of 56 total marks. Other significant topics include Venn diagrams (5 marks)

Mark distribution by topic:

Types of number 6/56
Venn diagrams 5/56

Understanding which topics carry the most marks helps you prioritize your Mathematics revision. Practice questions from high-mark topics like Types of number to maximize your score.

0580 Paper 2 - Extended (Short Answer)

1 hr 30 min • 70 marks

Extended tier multiple choice with more challenging questions covering the full syllabus. 40 questions, 45 minutes.

Question Paper
Mark Scheme
QP + MS QP + ER

All variants (different time zones):

QP:
v2
MS:
v2
View syllabus topics tested in Paper 2 (3 topics, 70 marks total)

This 0580 Paper 2 from February-March 2022 tests 3 different syllabus topics. The highest-weighted topic is Equations (Algebra and graphs) worth 39 marks out of 70 total marks. Other significant topics include Ratio, proportion and rate (6 marks) and Sequences (5 marks).

Mark distribution by topic:

Equations 39/70
Ratio, proportion and rate 6/70
Sequences 5/70

Understanding which topics carry the most marks helps you prioritize your Mathematics revision. Practice questions from high-mark topics like Equations to maximize your score.

0580 Paper 3 - Core (Structured)

2 hr • 104 marks

Structured and free-response questions testing understanding and application. Core tier, grades available C-G.

Question Paper
Mark Scheme
QP + MS QP + ER

All variants (different time zones):

QP:
v2
MS:
v2

0580 Paper 4 - Extended (Structured)

2 hr 30 min • 130 marks

Extended tier theory paper with more demanding questions. Full grade range A*-G available with this paper.

Question Paper
Mark Scheme
QP + MS QP + ER

All variants (different time zones):

QP:
v2
MS:
v2
View syllabus topics tested in Paper 4 (3 topics, 130 marks total)

This 0580 Paper 4 from February-March 2022 tests 3 different syllabus topics. The highest-weighted topic is Equations (Algebra and graphs) worth 11 marks out of 130 total marks. Other significant topics include Algebraic notation and manipulation (10 marks) and Basic probability (10 marks).

Mark distribution by topic:

Equations 11/130
Algebraic notation and manipulation 10/130
Basic probability 10/130

Understanding which topics carry the most marks helps you prioritize your Mathematics revision. Practice questions from high-mark topics like Equations to maximize your score.

Other Resources

Additional materials to help you prepare and understand how exams are marked.

Examiner Report

Insights from examiners on how students performed. Learn common mistakes to avoid and what examiners look for in top answers.

View

0580 February-March 2022 - Topics Breakdown by Paper

Each Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics (0580) paper tests specific syllabus topics. Below is a breakdown of topics for each paper in February-March 2022, showing how marks are distributed. Use this to focus your revision on topics relevant to your papers.

0580 Paper 1 (Core (Short Answer))

56 marks total
Types of number (Number)
10 cards
6m
Venn diagrams (Probability)
10 cards
5m

0580 Paper 2 (Extended (Short Answer))

70 marks total
Equations (Algebra and graphs)
9 cards
39m
Ratio, proportion and rate (Number)
10 cards
6m
Sequences (Algebra and graphs)
10 cards
5m

0580 Paper 4 (Extended (Structured))

130 marks total
Equations (Algebra and graphs)
9 cards
11m
Algebraic notation and manipulation (Algebra and graphs)
9 cards
10m
Basic probability (Probability)
9 cards
10m

Study tip: If you're taking the Extended tier, focus on Papers 2, 4, and 6. For Core tier, prepare for Papers 1, 3, and 5/6. Review the topics above for your specific papers and practice past questions from those syllabus areas.

Examiner Insights - February-March 2022

Key feedback from Cambridge examiners on how students performed

Key Takeaways

  • • Read each question carefully and fully answer what is being asked; don't just solve for a related value.
  • • Show all your working clearly and concisely. This helps with error checking and allows for partial credit.
  • • Pay close attention to the level of accuracy required and avoid premature rounding.
  • • Be familiar with all topics in the syllabus and review areas of weakness.
  • • Use correct mathematical terminology and be precise in your explanations.
Paper 12 - Paper 12 (Core)

Most candidates demonstrated a good grasp of the material. A recurring issue was not fully answering the question, even when the topic was understood, and incorrect figures and lack of showing working. Clearer presentation and verifying answers against the specific question being asked would improve results.

Study Tips:

  • ✓ Practice converting between different units of time (seconds, minutes, hours).
  • ✓ Review how to perform transformations (reflections, translations, rotations) accurately.
  • ✓ When answering 'show that' questions, ensure you write down all steps clearly and that all are accurate.

Common Mistakes:

QGeneral (Problem Solving)
✗ Candidates provided only the interest earned in a simple interest question, instead of the total value of the investment.
→ Carefully read the question to understand what is being asked. Double-check your answer to ensure it directly addresses the prompt.
Q1 (Number Representation)
✗ Misinterpreting 'sixteen thousand and thirty seven' as separate parts and writing 16000037.
→ Pay close attention to place values when writing numbers from words.
Q4 (Data Interpretation)
✗ Counting squares in a pictogram without considering the key or failing to perform the necessary subtraction.
→ Always refer to the key when interpreting pictograms and ensure all necessary calculations are completed.
Q7 (Time Conversion)
✗ Incorrectly converting seconds to hours by only dividing by 60 or multiplying by 60 or 3600 instead of dividing by 3600.
→ Remember that there are 3600 seconds in an hour (60 seconds/minute * 60 minutes/hour). Divide seconds by 3600 to convert to hours.
Paper 22 - Paper 22 (Extended)

Many candidates demonstrated strong mathematical skills on this paper. Common errors were seen in more complex questions involving indices, rates of change, and vectors. Clear, complete working and a suitable level of accuracy are crucial for success.

Study Tips:

  • ✓ Practice a wide variety of transformation questions to be able to quickly recognise and describe each.
  • ✓ Review laws of indices including fractional and negative exponents.
  • ✓ When dealing with proportionality, clearly state the relationship and constant of proportionality before attempting to solve for any unknowns.

Common Mistakes:

Q2 (Rounding)
✗ Giving answers to an incorrect number of decimal places (e.g., 80.5 instead of 80.49) or truncating instead of rounding.
→ Pay close attention to the degree of accuracy requested in the question (e.g., 2 decimal places, 3 significant figures) and apply correct rounding rules.
Q3 (Time Calculation)
✗ Incorrectly calculating time durations, especially when crossing over to the next day (e.g., subtracting times instead of adding or confusing 24 hour format)
→ Use a timeline or break the calculation into smaller steps to accurately determine the time elapsed across days.
Q7 (Inequalities)
✗ Errors in solving inequalities with fractions, particularly when the variable is in the denominator.
→ Carefully manipulate the inequality, ensuring you multiply all terms by the denominator and address sign changes correctly. Remember to flip the inequality sign when multiplying or dividing by a negative.
Q8 (Transformations)
✗ Using the wrong scale factor or sign for an enlargement or performing a translation incorrectly.
→ Double-check that the image is congruent to the original in reflections, rotations and translations. For enlargements, ensure to include a correct centre of enlargement
Paper 32 - Paper 32 (Core)

This paper offered candidates a wide range to demonstrate their knowledge. Most candidates attempted most questions, but mathematical terminology and understanding of definitions were sometimes lacking. Showing all working clearly and using a suitable level of accuracy are vital for success.

Study Tips:

  • ✓ Practice converting between units of area and volume, paying close attention to the correct powers of 10.
  • ✓ Thoroughly review geometrical properties, especially those related to polygons and transformations.
  • ✓ Ensure all working is shown clearly to maximize potential for partial credit.

Common Mistakes:

QGeneral (Accuracy)
✗ Premature rounding during calculations leads to inaccurate final answers.
→ Maintain a high degree of accuracy during intermediate steps. Only round the final answer to the degree specified in the question.
Q2 (Polygons)
✗ Applying incorrect formulas for the interior angle of a regular polygon.
→ Remember that the sum of interior angles is (n-2)*180, and each angle in a regular polygon is [(n-2)*180]/n.
Q3 (Transformations)
✗ Incomplete or incorrect descriptions of transformations, particularly identifying the center of enlargement or rotation or the angle of rotation.
→ Ensure all three components of each transformation are stated clearly: type of transformation, center (if applicable), and relevant measure (e.g., scale factor, angle).
Q5 (Units Conversion)
✗ Incorrectly converting units when calculating the number of boxes that fit in a container and forgetting to divide to determine number of boxes.
→ Ensure all quantities are expressed in the same units before performing calculations, and divide the larger volume by the smaller volume to get the number of boxes.
Paper 42 - Paper 42 (Extended)

Stronger scripts demonstrated expertise and problem-solving skills, while weaker responses showed a lack of familiarity with some topics. The recall and application of formulas, interpretation of problems, and clear, accurate working are essential for success.

Study Tips:

  • ✓ Practice problems involving inverse functions and carefully review the definitions and properties.
  • ✓ Pay attention to geometric proofs and reasoning. Always provide clear explanations for your steps.
  • ✓ For more complex questions, break the problem down into smaller steps and address each step methodically.

Common Mistakes:

Q1 (Percentage Change)
✗ Incorrectly calculating percentage increase by adding percentages directly or finding percentage of original value.
→ For repeated percentage changes, use multipliers (e.g., 15% increase -> multiplier of 1.15). Multiply the original value by the combined multiplier to find the final value, then calculate the overall percentage increase.
Q4 (Trigonometry)
✗ Prematurely approximating trigonometric values leading to inaccurate final answers and incorrect assumptions about triangle types.
→ Maintain at least 4 significant figures for intermediate values in trigonometric calculations. Avoid assuming triangles are right-angled unless it is explicitly stated or proven.
Q5 (Histograms)
✗ Not using frequency density correctly and finding scale factor by frequencies.
→ Remember that the height of each block in a histogram represents frequency density, not frequency. Frequency density = Frequency/Class width
Q7 (Bounds)
✗ Incorrectly identifying or calculating upper bounds, often rounding the bound instead of calculating and not leaving it as an exact value.
→ The upper bound is calculated by finding the midpoint between the given value and next possible value and then adding it to the value to find the upper bound. For example, if a value is 15 correct to nearest whole number, then the upper bound is 15.5.

Insights extracted from the official Cambridge Examiner Report for 0580 February-March 2022. View full report →

About Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics (0580)

Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics (0580) is one of the most popular qualifications taken by students worldwide. The February-March 2022 examination session included 4 paper components, each testing different skills and knowledge areas.

This page contains all 0580 past papers from February-March 2022, including question papers (QP), mark schemes (MS), and examiner reports (ER). Use these resources to practice under timed conditions and understand how examiners award marks.

View all 0580 past papers → | All 2022 sessions →

Get Mathematics Study Tips

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0580 Study Tips & FAQ

What are paper variants?

Cambridge releases multiple variants of each paper (e.g., Paper 11, 12, 13) to accommodate different time zones around the world and maintain exam security.

  • Variant 1 (e.g., 11, 21): Usually for Zone 1 (Americas)
  • Variant 2 (e.g., 12, 22): Usually for Zone 2 (Europe, Africa)
  • Variant 3 (e.g., 13, 23): Usually for Zone 3 (Asia, Oceania)

All variants cover the same syllabus and have similar difficulty. Practice with any variant to prepare effectively for your exam.

How to use Mark Schemes effectively

Mark schemes show exactly how examiners award marks for each question. Understanding them helps you write answers that earn full marks.

Example from a Physics mark scheme:

Q: Calculate the speed of a car that travels 150m in 5 seconds. [2]

Mark scheme answer:

• speed = distance / time [1 mark for formula]

• speed = 150 / 5 = 30 m/s [1 mark for correct answer with unit]

Tips:

  • Look for key words that must appear in your answer
  • Note how many points are needed for each mark
  • Check if units are required for the final mark
  • Understand the difference between "state" (brief) and "explain" (detailed)
Understanding Grade Thresholds

Grade thresholds show the minimum marks needed for each grade. They vary each session based on paper difficulty — harder papers have lower thresholds.

Example Grade Thresholds (out of 100 total):

A*
90+
A
80-89
B
70-79
C
60-69

* Actual thresholds vary by subject and session

How to use thresholds:

  • Set realistic target marks based on your goal grade
  • Track your practice paper scores against thresholds
  • Remember: you don't need 100% for an A* — aim for consistency
  • Compare thresholds across sessions to gauge difficulty trends
How is the topic breakdown calculated?

The "Topics Breakdown by Paper" section above shows which syllabus topics are tested in each paper and how many marks they carry. Here's how we calculate this:

Our methodology:

  1. Extract questions: We analyze each question paper (QP) and identify individual questions and their mark allocations (shown in square brackets, e.g., [3]).
  2. Match to syllabus: Each question is matched to the official Cambridge 0580 syllabus topics based on keywords, concepts, and question content.
  3. Sum marks per topic: For each paper, we add up the marks for all questions testing the same topic. For example, if Q1 (4 marks) and Q5b (3 marks) both test "Enzymes", that topic shows as "7 marks" for that paper.

Example: If Paper 3 shows "Photosynthesis - 13 marks", it means questions worth a total of 13 marks (out of the paper's 104 marks) tested the Photosynthesis topic from the Plant Nutrition unit of the syllabus.

How to use this: Look at the paper(s) you'll be taking (e.g., Papers 2, 4, 6 for Extended tier). The topics with the highest marks in YOUR papers are where you should focus your revision. A topic worth 15 marks deserves more study time than one worth 3 marks.

Note: Our topic matching may be inaccurate for questions that span multiple topics. Use this as a guide alongside the official syllabus.

How to Use IGCSE Mathematics Past Papers

📝 Timed Practice

Complete papers under exam conditions. 0580 Paper 4 is 2 hr 30 min - practice finishing within this time to build exam stamina.

✅ Self-Marking

Use the mark scheme to score your answers. Look for marking points you missed and understand what examiners expect in Mathematics responses.

📊 Examiner Reports

Read the 0580 examiner report to see common mistakes. Focus revision on topics where candidates typically lose marks.

🎯 Grade Targets

Check grade thresholds to see how many marks you need for your target grade. An A* in IGCSE Mathematics typically requires 85-90%.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I download IGCSE Mathematics February-March 2022 past papers?
You can download all IGCSE Mathematics (0580) February-March 2022 past papers directly from this page. We provide 10 files including question papers, mark schemes, and examiner reports for all variants (11, 12, 13). Click "View" to open in browser or "Download" to save the PDF.
Are 0580 mark schemes included?
Yes, mark schemes for all 0580 February-March 2022 papers are included. Each question paper has a corresponding mark scheme showing expected answers and mark allocation.
What papers are available for IGCSE Mathematics 0580?
IGCSE Mathematics (0580) has 4 papers: Paper 1 (Core (Short Answer)), Paper 2 (Extended (Short Answer)), Paper 3 (Core (Structured)), Paper 4 (Extended (Structured)). Core tier students take Papers 1, 3, 5/6. Extended tier students take Papers 2, 4, 5/6.
What is the difference between paper variants 11, 12, and 13?
The three variants (11, 12, 13) are different versions of the same paper used in different time zones to prevent cheating. All variants test the same syllabus content at the same difficulty level. You can practice with any variant as they are equally valid for revision.
How can I practice these past papers effectively?
Use our free Exam Hub to practice past papers like real exams. It lets you view question papers and mark schemes side-by-side, so you can self-mark your answers. No sign-up required, works with any PDF, and your files stay completely private.

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