0580

Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics (0580) - May-June 2024 Past Papers

Download 26 free IGCSE Mathematics past papers, mark schemes, and examiner reports from the May-June 2024 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 2024 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:

View syllabus topics tested in Paper 1 (1 topics, 56 marks total)

This 0580 Paper 1 from May-June 2024 tests 1 different syllabus topics. The highest-weighted topic is Perimeter and area (Mensuration) worth 18 marks out of 56 total marks.

Mark distribution by topic:

Perimeter and area 18/56

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

QP + MS QP + ER

All variants (different time zones):

QP:

MS:

View syllabus topics tested in Paper 2 (1 topics, 70 marks total)

This 0580 Paper 2 from May-June 2024 tests 1 different syllabus topics. The highest-weighted topic is Equations (Algebra and graphs) worth 23 marks out of 70 total marks.

Mark distribution by topic:

Equations 23/70

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.

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 2024 - 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 2024, 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

Perimeter and area (Mensuration)

18m

0580 Paper 2 (Extended (Short Answer))

70 marks total

Equations (Algebra and graphs)

23m

0580 Paper 4 (Extended (Structured))

130 marks total

Straight line graphs (Algebra and graphs)

12m

Coordinates (Coordinate geometry)

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 2024

Key feedback from Cambridge examiners on how students performed

Key Takeaways

• Always read the question carefully to understand the requirements fully, including the units and format of the answer.
• Show all steps in your working, even if the question doesn't explicitly ask for it, to potentially earn method marks.
• Practice common mathematical concepts and be familiar with their definitions and formulas.
• Ensure you are familiar with various mathematical notations, such as recurring decimals or set notation.
• Double-check your answers for accuracy and ensure they are in the correct form, including units and significant figures.

Paper 11 - Paper 1 (Core)

There were a considerable number of questions that were well understood. The most challenging questions involved problem-solving, coordinates on a line, laws of indices, conversion of units, and perimeter of a compound shape. A common thread amongst multiple problems was the candidate's inability to show their working, which prevents them from receiving method marks when the answer is incorrect.

Study Tips:

✓ Practice showing all steps in your calculations, especially in problem-solving questions, even if the question does not explicitly ask for it.
✓ Carefully read the question multiple times to understand the requirements fully before attempting to solve it.
✓ Review unit conversions and practice applying them in different contexts.

Common Mistakes:

Q2 (Measurement)

✗ Giving the answer in centimeters instead of millimeters.

→ Carefully read the question and ensure you are providing the answer in the required units. Double-check the units specified.

Q3(a) (Distance-Time Graphs)

✗ Giving the distance after 1 hour (when the bus stopped) rather than at 50 minutes.

→ Read the question carefully to understand exactly what is being asked. Identify the key information and avoid making assumptions.

Q5 (Area and Perimeter)

✗ Working out the perimeter when the question asked for area, or vice versa; sometimes only giving the area of the rectangle or counting the number of sides

→ Read the question to know exactly what is being asked for. Make sure you are finding the correct measurement and not confusing area and perimeter.

Q14 (Estimation)

✗ Ignoring the instruction to round each number to 1 significant figure and instead using a calculator and rounding the final answer.

→ Follow the specific instructions given in the question. For estimation questions, perform the calculations with rounded values, not the original numbers.

Paper 12 - Paper 1 (Core)

The majority of candidates presented clear scripts and attempted most questions. Questions involving trigonometry, expanding and simplifying algebraic expressions, and finding general terms of sequences were particularly challenging. A significant number of candidates did not make figures clear or worked in pencil before overwriting their working and answers.

Study Tips:

✓ Build up a vocabulary of mathematical names of shapes and terms.
✓ Check that responses are sensible for what is asked in the question.
✓ When multiplying mixed numbers, be sure to convert to improper fractions first.

Common Mistakes:

Q1 (Place Value)

✗ Confusion between billions and millions when writing numbers in words.

→ Review place values and ensure correct terminology for large numbers.

Q2(b) (Measurement)

✗ Giving the answer in centimetres instead of millimetres or multiplying by 10 unnecessarily.

→ Pay attention to the units specified in the question and provide the answer in the correct units. Do not perform unnecessary conversions.

Q3 (Reciprocals)

✗ Knowing the reciprocal of 0.4 was 1/0.4 but not finding the value of the reciprocal.

→ If the question asks for the value, continue simplifying after you have set up the initial equation.

Q16(a) (Circle Areas)

✗ Using non-exact values of pi, such as 3.14

→ Use the pi button on your calculator rather than an approximated version for improved precision.

Paper 13 - Paper 1 (Core)

The majority of candidates attempted all the questions, setting out their working in a clear and logical way. Candidates generally did well on number questions, although some found standard form challenging. Set Notation, Converting Scales and Bearings were also challenging topics. Partial rather than full factorization led to marks being lost.

Study Tips:

✓ Read questions carefully and ensure answers are given appropriately, for example, in the simplest form.
✓ Ensure full working is shown on ‘show that’ questions.
✓ Check answers, especially for algebra questions.

Common Mistakes:

Q3 (Simplifying Expressions)

✗ Not simplifying both terms correctly in the expression.

→ Ensure all terms are fully simplified when simplifying algebraic expressions.

Q4(c) (Rounding)

✗ Confusion with the position of the decimal point when rounding.

→ Pay close attention to the place value when rounding numbers.

Q14 (Unit Conversion)

✗ Struggling to change between cm and km, often presenting answers with no attempt to change to km.

→ Practice converting between different units and remember the correct conversion factors.

Q15 (Fractions)

✗ Incorrectly trying to subtract 3 and 1 and 7 and 14 in some way without finding a common denominator

→ Always make sure you are working in terms of the same denominator to ensure all calculations are consistent.

Paper 21 - Paper 2 (Extended)

This examination provided candidates with many opportunities to demonstrate their skills and differentiated well between candidates. High-scoring scripts were seen. It is important that candidates read the question carefully to establish the form, units and accuracy of the answer required and to identify key points which need to be considered in their solutions.

Study Tips:

✓ Remember necessary formulae.
✓ Show all necessary working clearly.
✓ Use a suitable level of accuracy.

Common Mistakes:

Q3(b) (Sequences)

✗ Giving the term number instead of the term itself for the first positive integer in a quadratic sequence.

→ Read the question carefully and ensure you are answering what the question is asking for, rather than stopping part-way.

Q7(b) (Perimeter)

✗ Including the length of the dashed line, JL, in the perimeter.

→ Review the concept of perimeter and what bounds it. Do not include internal lines!

Q11 (Inequalities)

✗ Using equals signs or the wrong inequality sign when attempting to express the inequalities defining a region.

→ Practice using inequality notation and identifying the correct inequality sign for different situations.

Q15 (Recurring Decimals)

✗ Misinterpreting the recurring decimal notation as 0.146146...

→ Ensure you fully understand recurring decimal notation. The recurring dots show all numbers underneath recur.

Insights extracted from the official Cambridge Examiner Report for 0580 May-June 2024. 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 2024 examination session included 4 paper components, each testing different skills and knowledge areas.

This page contains all 0580 past papers from May-June 2024, 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 2024 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 2024 past papers?

You can download all IGCSE Mathematics (0580) May-June 2024 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 2024 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.

Continue Studying Mathematics

Prepare for these topics before attempting the past papers:

450 cards to master

Test your knowledge

Copyright & Educational Use

All examination materials including question papers, mark schemes, and examiner reports are the intellectual property of Cambridge Assessment International Education.

We share these materials freely for educational purposes to help students prepare for their examinations. This platform is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Cambridge International.

For official examination resources, registration, and support, please visit cambridgeinternational.org.