0580

Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics (0580) - May-June 2022 Past Papers

Download 26 free IGCSE Mathematics past papers, mark schemes, and examiner reports from the May-June 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:

Test your knowledge

0580 May-June 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.

Select variant:

QP + MS QP + ER

All variants (different time zones):

QP:

MS:

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.

Select variant:

QP + MS QP + ER

All variants (different time zones):

QP:

MS:

0580 Paper 3 - Core (Structured)

2 hr • 104 marks

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

Select variant:

QP + MS QP + ER

All variants (different time zones):

QP:

MS:

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.

Select variant:

QP + MS QP + ER

All variants (different time zones):

QP:

MS:

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.

0580 May-June 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 May-June 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

Sequences (Algebra and graphs)

15m

Types of number (Number)

14m

Algebraic notation and manipulation (Algebra and graphs)

3m

0580 Paper 2 (Extended (Short Answer))

70 marks total

Surface area (Mensuration)

24m

Equations (Algebra and graphs)

5m

0580 Paper 4 (Extended (Structured))

130 marks total

Volume (Mensuration)

23m

Inequalities (Algebra and graphs)

7m

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 - May-June 2022

Key feedback from Cambridge examiners on how students performed

Key Takeaways

• Read the questions carefully and pay attention to the specific instructions, such as required units, level of accuracy (significant figures/decimal places), and the form of the answer (e.g., simplest form).
• Show all working steps clearly to allow for partial credit, even if the final answer is incorrect.
• Be familiar with key mathematical terms and definitions (e.g., prime numbers, diameter, bearings, transformations) and ensure a solid understanding of fundamental concepts.
• Practice problem-solving questions to improve your ability to apply mathematical concepts in unfamiliar situations and multi-step problems.
• Avoid premature rounding during calculations and use the full calculator display for intermediate steps; round only the final answer to the specified level of accuracy.

Paper 11 - Paper 11 (Core)

This paper gave all candidates an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and application of mathematics. Standard process questions were generally well understood, while problem-solving questions proved to be more challenging. Most candidates showed some working with many candidates setting their work out clearly and neatly.

Study Tips:

✓ Read each question carefully, paying close attention to the specific instructions (e.g. significant figures, simplest form).
✓ Show all working steps clearly and neatly to allow for partial credit, even if the final answer is incorrect.
✓ Practice problem-solving questions to improve your ability to apply mathematical concepts in unfamiliar situations.

Common Mistakes:

Q2 (Geometry)

✗ Drawing a line that was not perpendicular to line L, often drawing a parallel line or creating an X shape.

→ Use a protractor or set square to ensure the line is exactly at a 90-degree angle to the given line.

Q3 (Geometry)

✗ Confusing diameter with circumference, or radius or tangent.

→ Remember the definitions: Diameter is a line from one side of the circle to the other through the center; Radius is half the diameter; Tangent touches the circle at one point.

Q4 (Scale and Bearings)

✗ Writing a distance rather than a bearing for a bearing question.

→ Understand that a bearing is an angle measured clockwise from North, and always write it with three figures (e.g., 045).

Q9 (Indices)

✗ Not calculating the value of each index term before subtracting, showing a misunderstanding of how to handle indices.

→ Calculate each exponential term individually before performing subtraction or addition.

Paper 12 - Paper 12 (Core)

This paper provided an opportunity for candidates to show their math knowledge and skills. Generally, the work was well-presented with clear working, but there were instances of premature rounding. More detailed reasons and explanations are necessary when required, and the four rules, when applied to directed numbers, need strong emphasis.

Study Tips:

✓ Practice applying the four rules to directed numbers (positive and negative).
✓ Carefully read the question to understand when reasons and explanations are required.
✓ Pay attention to detail and avoid premature rounding in calculations.

Common Mistakes:

Q2 (Number)

✗ Giving multiple numbers instead of just one prime number, or giving non-prime numbers as primes.

→ Remember a prime number has exactly two distinct factors, 1 and itself. Check all odd numbers to see if they can be divided by another prime.

Q6 (Statistics)

✗ Stating the scale was wrong without giving detail about the scale not having equal intervals.

→ Give specific and quantifiable reasons/explanations, not vague statements, to gain credit.

Q9 (Circle Theorems)

✗ Multiplying by 100 instead of 360 when finding the sector angle, calculating area of a circle or multiplying the fraction by 180 instead of 360.

→ The angle at the center of a circle is always related to the circumference. Percentages are out of 100. Angles are usually degrees

Q12 (Algebraic expressions)

✗ Not knowing the difference between an expression and an equation. Writing the wrong way for division. Not using brackets.

→ Know the order of operations. Know how to write the division properly and use brackets to clearly define what is being grouped together.

Paper 13 - Paper 13 (Core)

While many candidates showed clear working, improvement is needed in setting out logical progression. There was some evidence of a lack of working resulting in the loss of possible method marks when answers are incorrect. Some candidates did not show any, or clear, use of rulers and protractors where necessary.

Study Tips:

✓ It is vital to cover the whole syllabus.
✓ Premature rounding in calculations should be avoided.
✓ Answers need to be given to 3 significant figures or the required accuracy stated in the question.

Common Mistakes:

Q6 (Bearings)

✗ Reading the wrong protractor scale or thinking bearing was length.

→ Bearing is the measure of angle in degrees from North and not a length.

Q7 (Substitution)

✗ Rounding before substitution, order of operation errors.

→ Do not round until the last step. Respect order of operations

Q14 (Pythagoras' Theorem)

✗ Not halving the base. Adding instead of subtracting the square value. Answer should be given to 3 significant figures

→ If halving is required then do that first. Ensure you know what to do with pythagoras depending on the side to be found and express your answer to 3 significant figures.

Q20 (Graphs)

✗ Just counting squares for gradient. Not realizing scales were different.

→ Gradients must take the scale of axis into consideration. Change in y divided by change in x

Paper 21 - Paper 21 (Extended)

This examination appeared to give the candidates plenty of opportunity to display their skills. There were many good scripts with a significant number of candidates demonstrating an expertise with areas of the subject content and proficient mathematical skills. Almost all candidates managed the demands of this paper.

Study Tips:

✓ Complete full syllabus coverage.
✓ Remember necessary formulae.
✓ Show all necessary working clearly.

Common Mistakes:

Q4 (Rounding)

✗ Ignoring or misunderstanding the rounding demand, instead rounding or truncating to 4 decimal places. Some applied standard rounding to give 4.29.

→ Pay close attention to rounding instructions

Q7 (Fractions)

✗ Not converting their final answer to the simplest form as the question demanded.

→ Make sure to simplify your fraction down to the lowest form and write it on the answer line.

Q11 (Similar Triangles)

✗ Scale factor was often used as a linear factor when attempting the new volume.

→ The volume scale factor is the cube of the linear scale factor

Q16 (Transformations)

✗ Giving a succession of transformations (which scored no marks).

→ Read the question carefully and know that a single transformation is needed.

Insights extracted from the official Cambridge Examiner Report for 0580 May-June 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 May-June 2022 examination session included 4 paper components, each testing different skills and knowledge areas.

This page contains all 0580 past papers from May-June 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

Join students preparing for 0580. Get weekly study tips, new past papers alerts, and exam reminders.

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:

Extract questions: We analyze each question paper (QP) and identify individual questions and their mark allocations (shown in square brackets, e.g., [3]).
Match to syllabus: Each question is matched to the official Cambridge 0580 syllabus topics based on keywords, concepts, and question content.
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 May-June 2022 past papers?

You can download all IGCSE Mathematics (0580) May-June 2022 past papers directly from this page. We provide 26 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 May-June 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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