0580

Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics (0580) - October-November 2023 Past Papers

Download 26 free IGCSE Mathematics past papers, mark schemes, and examiner reports from the October-November 2023 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

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0580 October-November 2023 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:
Question Paper
Mark Scheme
QP + MS QP + ER

All variants (different time zones):

QP:
v1
v2
v3
MS:
v1
v2
v3
View syllabus topics tested in Paper 1 (2 topics, 56 marks total)

This 0580 Paper 1 from October-November 2023 tests 2 different syllabus topics. The highest-weighted topic is Powers and roots (Number) worth 7 marks out of 56 total marks. Other significant topics include Ratio, proportion and rate (5 marks)

Mark distribution by topic:

Powers and roots 7/56
Ratio, proportion and rate 5/56

Understanding which topics carry the most marks helps you prioritize your Mathematics revision. Practice questions from high-mark topics like Powers and roots 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.

Select variant:
Question Paper
Mark Scheme
QP + MS QP + ER

All variants (different time zones):

QP:
v1
v2
v3
MS:
v1
v2
v3
View syllabus topics tested in Paper 2 (2 topics, 70 marks total)

This 0580 Paper 2 from October-November 2023 tests 2 different syllabus topics. The highest-weighted topic is Approximation and estimation (Number) worth 18 marks out of 70 total marks. Other significant topics include Circles (18 marks)

Mark distribution by topic:

Approximation and estimation 18/70
Circles 18/70

Understanding which topics carry the most marks helps you prioritize your Mathematics revision. Practice questions from high-mark topics like Approximation and estimation 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.

Select variant:
Question Paper
Mark Scheme
QP + MS QP + ER

All variants (different time zones):

QP:
v1
v2
v3
MS:
v1
v2
v3
View syllabus topics tested in Paper 3 (1 topics, 104 marks total)

This 0580 Paper 3 from October-November 2023 tests 1 different syllabus topics. The highest-weighted topic is Triangles (Geometry) worth 9 marks out of 104 total marks.

Mark distribution by topic:

Triangles 9/104

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

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:
Question Paper
Mark Scheme
QP + MS QP + ER

All variants (different time zones):

QP:
v1
v2
v3
MS:
v1
v2
v3
View syllabus topics tested in Paper 4 (2 topics, 130 marks total)

This 0580 Paper 4 from October-November 2023 tests 2 different syllabus topics. The highest-weighted topic is Coordinates (Coordinate geometry) worth 13 marks out of 130 total marks. Other significant topics include Differentiation (10 marks)

Mark distribution by topic:

Coordinates 13/130
Differentiation 10/130

Understanding which topics carry the most marks helps you prioritize your Mathematics revision. Practice questions from high-mark topics like Coordinates 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 October-November 2023 - Topics Breakdown by Paper

Each Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics (0580) paper tests specific syllabus topics. Below is a breakdown of topics for each paper in October-November 2023, 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
Powers and roots (Number)
9 cards
7m
Ratio, proportion and rate (Number)
10 cards
5m

0580 Paper 2 (Extended (Short Answer))

70 marks total
Approximation and estimation (Number)
10 cards
18m
Circles (Geometry)
9 cards
18m

0580 Paper 3 (Core (Structured))

104 marks total
Triangles (Geometry)
10 cards
9m

0580 Paper 4 (Extended (Structured))

130 marks total
Coordinates (Coordinate geometry)
9 cards
13m
Differentiation (Algebra and graphs)
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 - October-November 2023

Key feedback from Cambridge examiners on how students performed

Key Takeaways

  • • Read questions carefully and identify key words/instructions before attempting to solve.
  • • Show all working steps clearly and logically so partial credit can be awarded.
  • • Use your calculator's full accuracy until the very end to avoid premature rounding errors.
  • • Understand the differences between key mathematical concepts and how different formulae apply to each scenario.
  • • Practice clear and effective communication of mathematical ideas and practice various question types from different years.
Paper 11 - Paper 11 (Core)

There were many questions that were standard processes, indicating a good understanding of fundamental concepts. However, candidates often struggled with problem-solving questions and following instructions precisely. Showing clear working and using calculators to reduce arithmetic errors were crucial for success.

Study Tips:

  • ✓ Practice problem-solving questions involving multiple steps to improve comprehension and logical reasoning.
  • ✓ Pay close attention to the wording of each question, identifying key words and instructions before attempting to solve it.
  • ✓ Always show your working steps clearly and logically so partial credit can be awarded if you make a mistake

Common Mistakes:

Q3(a) (Order of Operations)
✗ Not evaluating an expression to its simplest form (e.g., leaving the answer as 8 - 3).
→ Always simplify your answers fully to obtain the final numerical value.
Q4 (Cube Roots)
✗ Calculating 3 multiplied by the square root of the number, rather than taking the cube root.
→ Ensure you are using the correct function on your calculator (cube root vs. square root or multiplication).
Q5 (Percentage Discount)
✗ Giving the new price after the discount instead of the discount amount itself.
→ Read the question carefully to understand exactly what quantity is being asked for.
Q6(a) (Statistics: Median)
✗ Meeting some but not all conditions when determining the median of a set of numbers with constraints.
→ Carefully check each condition to ensure they are all met.
Paper 12 - Paper 12 (Core)

Straightforward questions covering core syllabus topics were generally answered well. Candidates struggled with questions requiring manipulation of formulas before computation and providing explanations/reasons. Directed number operations and clearly showing angle calculations on diagrams were areas needing improvement.

Study Tips:

  • ✓ When solving geometry problems, add angle values onto the diagram to help visualize relationships.
  • ✓ Practice explaining mathematical concepts in clear and concise sentences to improve understanding.
  • ✓ Always check if your answer is sensible for the question asked and matches the units requested

Common Mistakes:

Q2 (Wage Calculation)
✗ Adding the bonus to the rate *before* multiplying by the hours.
→ Apply the correct order of operations - perform multiplication before addition.
Q7(a) (Stem-and-Leaf Diagram)
✗ Missing a number, including a value in the wrong section, or excluding the 'stem' value.
→ Carefully transfer all data and remember to include the stem value in the full number.
Q8(a) (Decimal Places)
✗ Adding trailing zeros after rounding, or forgetting decimal points
→ Ensure the second digit after the decimal point is the *last* digit when rounding to two decimal places.
Q10 (Unit Conversion)
✗ Assuming 62,000 meters was being changed to kilometers resulting in an answer of 62 instead of 62 kilometers
→ Pay careful attention to the units required.
Paper 13 - Paper 13 (Core)

Candidates generally performed well, however, some struggled with more complex multi-step questions, interpreting information in relation to a question, and understanding how to represent information on a stem-and-leaf diagram. Ensure the whole syllabus is covered and premature rounding avoided.

Study Tips:

  • ✓ Practice breaking down multi-step questions into smaller, more manageable parts.
  • ✓ Read each question carefully to ensure you are answering the question that is being asked.
  • ✓ Double-check your working for arithmetic errors

Common Mistakes:

Q6(b) (Range)
✗ Simply referring to a smaller range/mean instead of explaining the context with the data in relation to the question.
→ Interpret the numerical answer by describing data and how relates to the overall purpose of the question
Q8 (Order of Operations / Roots)
✗ Not dividing before finding the square root
→ Recall PEMDAS or similar mnemonic, remember order matters
Q15 (Simple Interest)
✗ Not reading the question carefully and adding the interest to the original, or calculating compound interest instead of simple interest.
→ Read the question slowly. Underline keywords. Pay careful attention when deciding which formula applies.
Q17(a) (Equation of a Line)
✗ Omitting x from the gradient and finding the equation for the y-intercept.
→ Use y = mx + c, to avoid confusing which variable is which.
Paper 21 - Paper 21 (Extended)

Most candidates presented their work well, with full working attempted. Geometry questions saw candidates incorrectly assuming shape properties, using classic trigonometry on non-right triangles. A number of candidates prematurely rounded, leading to inaccurate answers. Many struggled with algebraic fraction manipulation.

Study Tips:

  • ✓ Practice geometry problems involving angle and side calculations, focusing on identifying correct trigonometric relationships.
  • ✓ Review algebraic fraction simplification techniques, especially factorisation and cancellation.
  • ✓ Develop a habit of checking your working for errors in algebraic manipulation, and truncation during number manipulation.

Common Mistakes:

Q13 (Compound Interest)
✗ Rounding before the final answer when working out compound interest and also misreading the amount
→ Use your calculator to full accuracy until the very end. Ensure you read the numbers correctly
Q14 (Venn Diagrams)
✗ Omitting the 15 when creating the formula or assuming that the intersection was 52
→ Re-read the question again to ensure full detail has been obtained
Q15 (Inequality graphs)
✗ Using solid lines rather than dashed lines
→ Pay careful attention to the sign and understand the graph represents the answer in the question
Q16 (Upper and Lower Bounds)
✗ Incorrectly working out upper and lower bounds.
→ Practice working with boundaries and understand what value the equation could possibly be.

Insights extracted from the official Cambridge Examiner Report for 0580 October-November 2023. View full report →

About Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics (0580)

Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics (0580) is one of the most popular qualifications taken by students worldwide. The October-November 2023 examination session included 4 paper components, each testing different skills and knowledge areas.

This page contains all 0580 past papers from October-November 2023, 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 2023 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 October-November 2023 past papers?
You can download all IGCSE Mathematics (0580) October-November 2023 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 October-November 2023 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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