- Ordre et calcul avec positifs, négatifs, décimaux et fractions ; les quatre opérations avec méthodes écrites formelles.
- Nombres premiers, facteurs, PPCM/PGCD par décomposition en facteurs premiers ; puissances, racines, irrationnels (H) et notation scientifique.
- Fractions ↔ décimaux ↔ pourcentages comme opérateurs ; arrondissement, estimation et bornes (H).
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1
Nombre
1.1
Nombre : les fondations sur lesquelles tout repose
1.1
Arithmétique, facteurs, multiples et nombres premiers (N1–N5)
Programme
Arithmétique, facteurs, multiples et nombres premiers (règles AQA 8463-style N1-N5 pour 8300).
- Classer les entiers, décimales et fractions ; utiliser les six symboles d'inégalité et d'égalité.
- Appliquer les quatre opérations avec des méthodes écrites formelles aux entiers, décimales, fractions et nombres mixtes, en contexte incluant la gestion financière domestique.
- Utiliser les opérations inverses et la priorité des opérations (BIDMAS).
- Utiliser les nombres premiers, facteurs, multiples, PGCD et PPCM via la décomposition en facteurs premiers ; (H) énumération systématique et règle du produit pour le dénombrement.
Source : Programme Cambridge International
Commande et symboles : placer des entiers positifs et négatifs, des décimaux et des fractions sur une droite numérique ; utiliser =, ≠, <, >, ≤, ≥.
Les quatre opérations (N2) : méthodes écrites formelles pour les entiers, les décimaux, les fractions propres et impropres et les nombres mixtes, tous signes — appliquées dans un contexte incluant la gestion domestique : bénéfice, perte, prix d'achat, prix de vente, débit, crédit, solde, impôt sur le revenu, TVA, taux d'intérêt.
Opérations inverses et priorité (N3) : simplification par annulation ; BIDMAS — parenthèses, indices/puissances, racines, division/multiplication, addition/soustraction.
Nombres premiers et structure (N4) : nombres premiers, facteurs, multiples, facteurs communs, multiples communs, PGCD, PPCM ; factorisation en nombres premiers sous forme d'exposants (notation produit ; factorisation unique). Exemple résolu :
- 200 = 2³ × 5²
- PGCD = produit des puissances plus basses des nombres premiers communs ; PPCM = produit des puissances plus élevées de tous les nombres premiers.
(N5) énumération systématique et règle du produit pour le dénombrement (H).
Vocabulaire EntrainerEnglish Français BIDMAS priorité des opérations (BIDMAS) 1.3
Indices, racines carrées, notation scientifique et bornes (N7–N9, N14–N16)
Programme
Indices, racines carrées, notation scientifique et bornes (règles AQA 8300 N7-N9, N14-N16).
- Appliquer les lois des indices avec des exposants entiers et (H) fractionnaires ; calculer avec des racines.
- (H) Simplifier les radicaux et rationaliser les dénominateurs.
- Calculer en notation scientifique A x 10^n et interpréter les affichages de la calculatrice.
- Estimer des réponses en arrondissant à un chiffre significatif ; arrondir à dp et cs.
- (H) Écrire des intervalles d'erreur en notation inégalitaire et appliquer les bornes supérieure et inférieure par calcul.
Source : Programme Cambridge International
Indices (N7) : lois — a^m × a^n = a^(m+n), a^m ÷ a^n = a^(m-n), (a^m)^n = a^(mn), a^(-n) = 1/a^n, a^(1/2) = √a ; (H) indices fractionnaires a^(m/n) = racine n-ième de a^m.
Racines carrées (N8, H) : √12 = √(4 × 3) = 2√3 — simplifier ; rationaliser les dénominateurs (multiplier par le conjugué : 1/(3+√2) × (3−√2)/(3−√2) = (3−√2)/7).
Notation scientifique (N9) : A × 10ⁿ, 1 ≤ A < 10, n entier — additionner/soustraire (aligner les puissances), multiplier (multiplier les coefficients et additionner les exposants) ou diviser (diviser les coefficients et soustraire les exposants) ; interpréter les affichages de calculatrice.
Estimation (N14) : arrondir chaque valeur à 1 chiffre significatif, calculer, déterminer si c'est une surestimation ou une sous-estimation ; vérifier les calculs par approximation.

Arrondi et intervalles d'erreur (N15) : aux décimales et chiffres significatifs (ne pas arrondir au milieu du calcul) ; (H) notation d'inégalité pour les intervalles d'erreur — 3.6 kg à 1 décimales signifie 3.55 ≤ m < 3.65 ; la troncature donne 3.6 ≤ m < 3.7.
Bornes (N16, H) : la borne supérieure d'une longueur 9 m à l'unité la plus proche est 9.5 ; dans les calculs, pour des entrées positives, une borne supérieure de produit utilise les bornes supérieures des entrées et une borne supérieure de quotient utilise le numérateur supérieur divisé par le dénominateur inférieur. Vérifier les signes en premier ; ces raccourcis ne s'appliquent pas nécessairement aux entrées négatives. Suivre les extrémités strictes ; donner la réponse avec un degré de précision approprié (la largeur de la borne décide souvent).
Vocabulaire EntrainerEnglish Français prime factorisation/praɪm ˌfæktəraɪˈzeɪʃn/ Factorisation en nombres premiers standard form/ˈstændəd fɔːm/ Notation scientifique surds racines irrationnelles ⟦aqa gcse mathematics⟧ error interval intervalle d'erreur upper bound/ˈʌpə baʊnd/ borne supérieure lower bound/ˈləʊə baʊnd/ limite inférieure recurring decimal/rɪˈkɜːrɪŋ ˈdesɪml/ décimal périodique multiplier/ˌmʌltɪˈplaɪə/ facteur multiplicateur 1.2
Fractions, décimaux et pourcentages (N10–N13, liens R9)
Programme
Fractions, décimales et pourcentages (règles AQA 8300 N10-N13).
- Convertir entre décimales finies et fractions ; (H) décimales périodiques en fractions.
- Interpréter les fractions et les pourcentages comme des opérateurs, en utilisant des multiplicateurs incluant les pourcentages inverses.
- Utiliser les unités standard de masse, longueur, temps et argent avec des quantités décimales.
Source : Programme Cambridge International

Conversions (N10) : 3.5 = 7/2, 0.375 = 3/8 ; (H) décimales périodiques ↔ fractions : 0.6̄ = 6/9 = 2/3 ; 0.4̄5̄ (paire) → 45/99 = 5/11. Méthode : x = 0.6̄, 10x = 6.6̄, 9x = 6.
Les fractions comme opérateurs (N12) : « 3/5 de 40 » = 40 × 3/5 = 24 ; le pourcentage comme multiplicateur — augmentation de 15 % = × 1.15 ; diminution de 20 % = × 0.8 ; pourcentage inverse : trouver la valeur initiale avant le changement en divisant par le multiplicateur.
Unités (N13) : conversions métriques pour la longueur, l'aire, le volume et la capacité ; les mesures composées (vitesse, densité, pression) se rattachent au sujet 3.
1.2
Liste de contrôle avant de considérer ce sujet comme acquis
- Quatre opérations sur les fractions/nombres mixtes et négatifs sans calculatrice ; pièges BIDMAS.
- Décomposition en facteurs premiers → PGCD/PPM ; règle de comptage par produit (H).
- Lois des indices incluant les négatifs et fractionnaires ; simplifier et rationaliser les racines (H).
- Opérations en notation scientifique ; arrondis et intervalles d'erreur ; bornes supérieures et inférieures via une formule (H).
- Conversions entre fractions, décimales et pourcentages incluant les décimales périodiques (H) ; multiplicateurs de pourcentage et pourcentages inverses.
Notes complémentaires PDFEnglishSupported teaching and tier boundary
8300: Number. Version: Version 1.0, 12 September 2014; first examination 2017.
Foundation teaching and Higher additions are labelled below. This reference packages the existing native-lesson crosswalk. It does not certify unreviewed specification rows or a whole qualification. Original diagnostics are separate and are not reproduced.
Exact arithmetic and estimation · Foundation
Prime factors reveal shared structure. Use the smallest common prime powers for the HCF and the largest for the LCM. Estimate before calculating; use brackets to preserve the order of operations.
$$72=2^3\times3^2,\quad90=2\times3^2\times5,\quad\mathrm{HCF}=18$$72=2^3×3^2 and 90=2×3^2×5. Their HCF is 2×9=18. Make 18 bags with 4 pencils and 5 pens each. Their LCM is 2^3×3^2×5=360. A prime integer is greater than 1 and has exactly two positive factors. The number 1 is not prime; a composite positive integer greater than 1 has more than two positive factors. Every integer greater than 1 has a unique product of prime factors apart from their order. For example, 60=2²×3×5. A factor divides a number; a multiple is the result of multiplying it by an integer. HCF uses common smallest powers, while LCM uses largest powers.
The HCF divides both numbers; the LCM is a multiple of both. They answer different questions. A decimal estimate is not an exact fraction.
For a non-calculator paper, keep fractions exact and show cancellation. For a calculator paper, enter the full expression and compare with your estimate.
Exact arithmetic and estimation · Higher
Prime factors reveal shared structure. Use the smallest common prime powers for the HCF and the largest for the LCM. Estimate before calculating; use brackets to preserve the order of operations.
$$a=\prod p_i^{\alpha_i},\quad b=\prod p_i^{\beta_i},\quad \operatorname{HCF}(a,b)=\prod p_i^{\min(\alpha_i,\beta_i)}$$72=2^3×3^2 and 90=2×3^2×5. Their HCF is 2×9=18. Make 18 bags with 4 pencils and 5 pens each. Their LCM is 2^3×3^2×5=360. A prime integer is greater than 1 and has exactly two positive factors. The number 1 is not prime; a composite positive integer greater than 1 has more than two positive factors. Every integer greater than 1 has a unique product of prime factors apart from their order. For example, 60=2²×3×5. A factor divides a number; a multiple is the result of multiplying it by an integer. HCF uses common smallest powers, while LCM uses largest powers.
The HCF divides both numbers; the LCM is a multiple of both. They answer different questions. A decimal estimate is not an exact fraction.
For a non-calculator paper, keep fractions exact and show cancellation. For a calculator paper, enter the full expression and compare with your estimate.
Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Integer indices and standard form · Foundation
Use integer powers, square and cube roots and standard form with 1≤a<10. In multiplying powers with the same base, add indices; in division, subtract them.
$$a^m a^n=a^{m+n}$$0.000072=7.2×10^(-5). Also 2³×2⁴=2⁷=128. The square root of 81 is 9. Check a standard-form answer by writing it out as a decimal. Useful powers include 3³=27, 4³=64, 5³=125, 15²=225 and 10⁶=1,000,000. Integer laws give 2⁰=1, 2^(-3)=1/8 and (2³)²=2⁶=64. For standard-form multiplication, (3×10⁵)(4×10^(-3))=12×10²=1.2×10³. Division gives (6×10⁵)/(2×10²)=3×10³. For addition, first align exponents: 3×10⁴+2×10³=3.2×10⁴.
Index laws do not turn a sum into a single power: 2^3+2^4=24, not 2^7. Do not round a surd when an exact answer is requested.
This Foundation/Core lesson excludes fractional powers and surd rationalisation. Estimate a result before using a calculator and retain the required precision.
Indices, surds and standard form · Higher
For the same positive base, multiplication adds indices and division subtracts them. A negative index means reciprocal; a fractional index represents a root. Standard form has 1≤a<10.
$$a^m a^n=a^{m+n},\quad a^{-n}=\frac1{a^n},\quad a^{m/n}=\left(\sqrt[n]{a}\right)^m$$0.000072=7.2×10^(-5). Also 16^(3/4)=(16^(1/4))^3=2^3=8. Simplify √72=6√2, then rationalise 1/√2=√2/2. Useful powers include 3³=27, 4³=64, 5³=125, 15²=225 and 10⁶=1,000,000. Integer laws give 2⁰=1, 2^(-3)=1/8 and (2³)²=2⁶=64. For standard-form multiplication, (3×10⁵)(4×10^(-3))=12×10²=1.2×10³. Division gives (6×10⁵)/(2×10²)=3×10³. For addition, first align exponents: 3×10⁴+2×10³=3.2×10⁴. For a positive base, a^(m/n)=(the nth root of a)^m. Thus 27^(2/3)=3²=9 and 16^(-1/2)=1/4. To estimate √20 without a calculator, 4²<20<5² gives 4<√20<5; testing 4.5²=20.25 shows √20 is just below 4.5. Do not use a rough estimate as an exact surd answer.
Index laws do not turn a sum into a single power: 2^3+2^4=24, not 2^7. Do not round a surd when an exact answer is requested.
Check powers of ten against the original quantity. Use surds for exact geometry, and round only the final length when the question asks for a decimal.
Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Accuracy, bounds and compound measures · Higher
A value rounded to the nearest unit u lies from stated value-u/2 up to, but usually not including, stated value+u/2. For positive quantities, combine extremes according to the operation.
$$A=LW,\qquad v=\frac{d}{t}$$The lengths satisfy 7.95≤L<8.05 and 4.95≤W<5.05. Since A=LW, 39.3525≤A<40.6525. For speed d/t, the largest speed uses the largest distance and smallest positive time.
An upper bound is not automatically achieved. Dividing upper distance by upper time does not give the largest speed. Keep enough digits in intermediate calculations.
Distinguish measurement uncertainty from arithmetic rounding. A sensible reported precision cannot be finer than the measurements justify.
Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Signed numbers, place value and operation order · Foundation
Larger numbers lie farther right on the number line. Adding a negative moves left; subtracting a negative moves right. Multiply or divide signs first, then magnitudes. Evaluate brackets, powers and roots before multiplication/division, then addition/subtraction, working left to right within equal priority.
$$-12+35-9=14,\quad18\div3\times2=12$$The balance is -12+35-9=14 yuan. Also -4-(-7)=3 and (-6)×(-3)=18. The reciprocal of -4 is -1/4, since their product is 1. For 18÷3×2, work left to right to obtain 12. In 3.047, the 4 means four hundredths and the 7 means seven thousandths. For decimal multiplication, first calculate 24×35: 24×30+24×5=720+120=840. The original 2.4×0.35 has three decimal places in total, giving 0.840. For 5.04÷0.12 multiply both numbers by 100 to get 504÷12; 12×40=480 leaves 24, so the answer is 42. To order negative fractions, -3/4=-0.75 and -4/5=-0.8, hence -4/5<-3/4. The symbols ≤ and ≥ include equality; ≠ means unequal.
Subtraction is not commutative: 3-8 and 8-3 differ. A negative sign outside a square is not inside its base: -3²=-9, but (-3)²=9. Zero has no reciprocal.
Use a signed starting balance, a positive credit and a negative debit. A shop buying for 48 yuan and selling for 60 makes 12 yuan profit; reversing the prices gives a 12-yuan loss. Estimate the sign before calculating.
Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Exact fractions and mixed-number operations · Foundation
Convert mixed numbers to improper fractions. Add or subtract using a common denominator; multiply numerators and denominators; divide by a nonzero fraction by multiplying its reciprocal. Cancel common factors, not added terms. These rules also apply to negative fractions.
$$\frac34\div\frac58=\frac34\times\frac85=\frac65$$1½-¾=6/4-3/4=3/4. Also (-2/3)×(9/4)=-18/12=-3/2 and (3/4)÷(5/8)=(3/4)×(8/5)=6/5. A common denominator gives 5/6+3/4=10/12+9/12=19/12. Check division by multiplying 6/5 by 5/8 to recover 3/4. Exact multiples of π follow ordinary arithmetic: 3π+2π=5π and 6π/3=2π. Leave an answer such as 5π exact when requested; π≈3.14 would introduce approximation. For subtraction, 5/6-3/4=10/12-9/12=1/12; for a negative mixed number, -1½ means -(1+1/2)=-3/2.
Adding denominators does not preserve the unit size: 1/2+1/3 is not 2/5. Cancel only factors of a whole numerator and denominator. A division by zero is undefined.
For a non-calculator question show the common denominator or reciprocal step. Convert 19/12 to 1 7/12 if a mixed number is requested; round only when the question explicitly needs a decimal.
Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Systematic lists and possibility grids · Foundation
Fix one first choice and list every allowed second choice before moving to the next first choice. Use a table to check that no outcome is missing or duplicated. If combinations are forbidden, remove those entries from the list.
$$\{TA,TB,TM,JA,JB,JM\}$$List tea-apple, tea-banana, tea-melon, juice-apple, juice-banana, juice-melon: six choices. Removing tea-melon leaves five. The codes using 1,2,3 once each are 123,132,213,231,312,321: six. These answers follow from complete lists.
State whether order matters and whether repetition is allowed. Choosing A then B can be different from B then A for a code, but not for an unordered two-person team. A restriction can make a simple product invalid.
Foundation should justify answers with a complete ordered list or grid. Higher may compress a verified structure using the product rule, but must still check restrictions.
Systematic lists and the product rule · Higher
Fix one first choice and list every permitted second choice before moving to the next first choice. A table gives the same structure. When every one of m first choices allows n second choices, the Higher product rule gives mn outcomes. If restrictions change the options, count the allowed rows separately.
$$\{TA,TB,TM,JA,JB,JM\}$$The list is tea-apple, tea-banana, tea-melon, juice-apple, juice-banana, juice-melon: six outcomes. If tea-melon is unavailable, five remain. For a three-digit code with digits 1,2,3 and no repeats, choose 3 then 2 then 1 possibilities, giving six codes: 123,132,213,231,312,321.
State whether order matters and whether repetition is allowed. Choosing A then B can be different from B then A for a code, but not for an unordered two-person team. A restriction can make a simple product invalid.
Foundation should justify answers with a complete ordered list or grid. Higher may compress a verified structure using the product rule, but must still check restrictions.
Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Exact surds and rationalising denominators · Higher
Extract square factors: √(a²b)=a√b for a≥0,b≥0. Add only matching root parts. Multiply roots with nonnegative radicands. To rationalise a denominator, multiply numerator and denominator by the same suitable root or conjugate.
$$\sqrt{12}+\sqrt{27}=5\sqrt3,\quad\frac6{\sqrt3}=2\sqrt3$$The side is √12=√(4×3)=2√3 cm. Thus √12+√27=2√3+3√3=5√3. Also 6/√3=6√3/3=2√3. For 1/(2+√3), multiply by (2-√3)/(2-√3): the denominator becomes 4-3=1, giving 2-√3. A circle of radius 3 has exact area 9π; a decimal is an approximation.
√(a+b) generally differs from √a+√b. Match the radicand before collecting terms. Rationalising changes the form, not the value; multiplying only the denominator changes the value.
AQA N8 Higher requires exact surds and rationalisation. Foundation retains exact fractions and multiples of π; do not assign this surd lesson to Foundation.
Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Terminating decimals and fractions · Foundation
Use the place value of the last digit to write a power-of-ten denominator, then simplify. Compare numbers using matching decimal places or a common denominator.
$$0.375=\frac{375}{1000}=\frac38$$0.375=375/1000=3/8. Also 3.5=35/10=7/2 and 0.06=6/100=3/50. To order 3/8 and 0.4, write 0.375 and 0.400; therefore 3/8<0.4.
Keep the place value: 0.06 is six hundredths, not six tenths. A fraction may exceed 1. Simplify the entire numerator and denominator by the same common factor.
AQA N10 Foundation covers terminating decimals and fractions, including ordering. Recurring-decimal conversion is reserved for the Higher lesson.
Terminating and recurring decimal conversions · Higher
A finite decimal uses a power-of-ten denominator before simplifying. For a recurring decimal, multiply by powers of ten so the repeated tails align, then subtract. Use matching decimal places to compare numbers. A displayed rounded decimal need not be the exact fraction.
$$100x-x=27,\quad x=\frac{27}{99}=\frac3{11}$$0.375=375/1000=3/8. For x=0.272727..., 100x=27.272727..., so 99x=27 and x=27/99=3/11. For y=0.16666..., 100y-10y=16.666...-1.666...=15, so y=15/90=1/6. In a reduced fraction, a denominator containing only factors 2 and 5 gives a terminating decimal.
Align the recurring tails before subtracting. 0.333333 is finite and differs from 0.333333... . A non-recurring prefix needs a second power of ten; blindly dividing every digit block by 99 fails.
AQA N10 Higher includes recurring conversion. Both tiers convert and order terminating decimals and fractions. Check a conversion by long division; 3 divided by 8 gives 0.375.
Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Metric and compound-unit conversions · Foundation
Convert each dimension. Since 1 m=100 cm, 1 m²=10,000 cm² and 1 m³=1,000,000 cm³. Also 1 litre=1000 cm³, 1 kg=1000 g and 1 hour=3600 seconds. For a compound unit convert numerator and denominator, keeping the physical quantity unchanged.
$$1\text{ m}^2=100^2\text{ cm}^2,\quad72\frac{\text{km}}{\text{h}}=20\frac{\text{m}}{\text{s}}$$0.4 m=40 cm, so the tile area is 40×40=1600 cm², agreeing with 0.16×10,000. A 0.002 m³ container holds 2000 cm³=2 litres. A speed of 72 km/h is 72,000/3600=20 m/s. Write the units at each stage so the conversion can be checked.
The area multiplier is the square of the length multiplier; the volume multiplier is its cube. An hour is 60 minutes, not 100. Converting only the numerator of a speed gives an inconsistent unit.
AQA N13 and R1 include metric length, area, volume, capacity and compound measures. Use given conversion factors for unfamiliar imperial units; do not guess them.
Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Estimation, rounding and simple error intervals · Foundation
For a rough check use easy nearby numbers: 50×20÷10=100. Decimal places count digits after the point; significant figures start at the first nonzero digit. Round only the final result. Nearest-unit rounding has an interval extending half a unit either way; positive truncation keeps values from the stated value up to the next unit.
$$7.95\le L<8.05$$The calculation is about 96.18, consistent with the estimate 100. The number 0.004786 rounds to 0.0048 at 2 significant figures, but to 0.005 at 3 decimal places. If length L rounds to 8.0 cm at 1 decimal place, 7.95≤L<8.05. If a positive value is truncated to 8.0 at 1 decimal place, 8.0≤L<8.1 instead. Reported precision must fit the question. Seventeen items packed six per box need three whole boxes, since two boxes hold only twelve items. Rounding 17/6 to two boxes would fail the physical requirement. For a nearest-0.1 reading of 8.0, each possible value differs from the report by at most 0.05; a claim of 8.08 lies outside the interval. Carry full calculator precision until a final money, length or accuracy requirement is applied.
Zeros before the first nonzero digit do not count as significant figures. Rounding and truncation give different intervals. Do not turn an approximate check into an exact answer, or round every intermediate result.
AQA N14–N16 require accuracy interpretation at both tiers. Foundation uses simple intervals and limits of accuracy. Higher combines upper and lower bounds for calculated quantities in the separate bounds lesson.
Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Ratio shares and fraction operators · Foundation
Add the ratio parts to find the whole: 2:5 has 7 equal parts. Divide the total by 7, then multiply by the required part count. A fraction acts as a multiplier; a percentage p acts as p/100. Keep part-to-part and part-to-whole comparisons separate.
$$84\times\frac2{2+5}=24$$Each part is 84/7=12 yuan, giving shares 24 and 60. The first team has 2/7 of the whole, while its share is 2/5 of the other share. A 3/4 portion of 28 is 21. A 120% amount of 35 is 1.2×35=42, so percentages may exceed 100.
A ratio 2:5 does not give the first share as 2/5 of the total. The total has 7 parts. A multiplier over 1 increases a positive quantity; it does not automatically mean a probability.
AQA N11/N12 and R3–R8 link ratio parts to fractions and operators. Check the shares add to the stated total and simplify a ratio by dividing every part by the same positive factor.
Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Original independent transfer
Foundation
A supplier has 84 pencils and 126 pens. Find the greatest number of identical packs using everything. State each pack's contents. A delivery charge of 18.60 CNY is shared equally among six buyers; find each share without rounding intermediate values.
Foundation worked solution
$84=2^2\cdot3\cdot7$ and $126=2\cdot3^2\cdot7$, so the HCF is 42. Each of 42 packs has $84/42=2$ pencils and $126/42=3$ pens. This is maximal because any pack count must divide both totals. Each delivery share is $s=C/n=(18.60\ \mathrm{CNY})/6=3.10\ \mathrm{CNY}$; six shares return the original charge.
Higher
A positive rectangle has recorded length 8.0 cm and width 3.0 cm, each to the nearest 0.1 cm. Give tight lower and upper bounds for area and for length divided by width. State endpoint inclusion.
Higher worked solution
$7.95\le l<8.05$ and $2.95\le w<3.05$, in cm. Positivity makes product and quotient monotonic in the needed directions. Thus $23.4525\le A<24.5525$ in square centimetres. For the dimensionless quotient, $7.95/3.05<l/w<8.05/2.95$, or $159/61<l/w<161/59$. Neither quotient endpoint is attained, since each requires one excluded upper measurement bound. The area lower bound is attained, since both lower bounds are allowed. Blindly using “upper over lower” without sign and endpoint checks is insufficient.
Terms
prime factor 质因数.
index 指数.
lower bound 下界.
reciprocal 倒数.
improper fraction 假分数.
systematic list 系统列表.
surd 根式.
terminating decimal 有限小数.
recurring decimal 循环小数.
conversion factor 换算因子.
significant figure 有效数字.
ratio 比.
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2
Algèbre
2.1 2.2
Algèbre
EnglishAQA GCSE Mathematics 8300 topic 3.2 (specification Version 1.0, 12 September 2014, first exams 2017). Foundation rows run A1–A25 in three tiers (basic foundation / additional foundation / Higher only); the Higher-only additions are surds and algebraic fractions (A4), identities and proof (A6), inverse and composite functions with f, fg and f⁻¹ notation (A7), perpendicular lines (A9), turning points by completing the square (A11), cubic, reciprocal, exponential and trigonometric graphs (A12), the circle equation with tangents (A16), the quadratic formula (A18), linear/quadratic simultaneity (A19), iteration (A20), set-notation and graphical inequality regions (A22) and quadratic/geometric/surd sequences (A24–A25). The June 2024 Higher set supplies verified anchors below.
Must-know for topic 3.2 (the Formulae Sheet gives only the quadratic formula):
Family Formulae quadratic $x = \dfrac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}$; $\;a(x + b)^2 + c$ gives the turning point lines $m = \dfrac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}$; perpendicular $m_1 m_2 = -1$; $\;y - y_1 = m(x - x_1)$ iteration $x_{n+1} = f(x_n)$ from a rearranged equation, with suffix notation nth terms linear $an + b$; quadratic $an^2 + bn + c$ with $a = \tfrac12$(second difference) Vocabulaire EntrainerEnglish Français composite function/ˈkɒmpəzɪt ˈfʌŋkʃn/ A function formed by applying one function to the output of another. 2.1 2.2
Notation, vocabulary and manipulation
EnglishAlgebraic notation writes $ab$ for $a \times b$, $3y$ for $y + y + y$, $a^2$, $a^3$, $a^2b$, $\tfrac ab$ for $a \div b$ — coefficients as fractions, not decimals — and brackets; answers are expected in simplest form without being told. Substitute into formulae including scientific ones (unseen formulae are quoted in the question). The vocabulary — expression, equation, formula, inequality, identity 恒等式, term, factor — carries meaning: an equation asks which values work; an identity holds for every value.
Simplify and manipulate by collecting like terms, multiplying a single term over a bracket, taking out common factors and using the index laws. Foundation additional adds expanding two binomials and factorising $x^2 + bx + c$ with the difference of two squares. Higher adds surds and algebraic fractions 代数分式: expand and simplify $(3 + \sqrt2)(1 - 2\sqrt2) = 3 - 6\sqrt2 + \sqrt2 - 4 = -1 - 5\sqrt2$; factorise $6x^2 - 7x - 3 = (3x + 1)(2x - 3)$.
An identity argues equivalence for ALL values: $(x + 2)^2 \equiv x^2 + 4x + 4$, and the 3H June 2024 anchor asks exactly this ("it is true for all values of $x$"). Proofs expand and compare both sides — numeric examples never prove an identity. Rearrange formulae to change the subject ($v = u + at \Rightarrow t = \tfrac{v-u}a$), including from other subjects in words or symbols.
Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Vocabulaire EntrainerEnglish Français identity/aɪˈdentɪti/ identité algebraic fraction/ˌældʒɪˈbreɪɪk ˈfrækʃn/ A fraction involving variables in its numerator or denominator, defined only when the denominator is nonzero. 2.1 2.4
Fonctions
EnglishA function maps inputs to outputs; interpret simple expressions as functions (A7, Foundation). Higher adds the inverse function 反函数 — reverse the operations, or swap and rearrange — and the composite 复合函数 $\mathrm{fg}(x) = f(g(x))$, apply $g$ first, using $f(x)$, $fg(x)$ and $f^{-1}(x)$ notation. Worked case: $f(x) = 3x - 5$, $g(x) = x^2$: $\mathrm{fg}(2) = f(4) = 7$; from $y = 3x - 5$, $x = \tfrac{y+5}3$, so $f^{-1}(x) = \tfrac{x+5}3$. Check $f^{-1}(f(x)) = x$.
Vocabulaire EntrainerEnglish Français inverse function/ɪnˈvɜːs ˈfʌŋkʃn/ A function that reverses another function's mapping on a domain where that mapping is one-to-one. 2.4
Graphs: lines to curves
EnglishCoordinates in all four quadrants; plot straight lines from $y = mx + c$. The additional foundation tier identifies parallel lines from equal gradients; Higher finds the equation through two points or one point with a given gradient and identifies perpendicular lines 垂直线 ($m_1 m_2 = -1$): through $(1, 7)$ and $(2, 9)$ the line is $y = 2x + 5$, and the perpendicular through $(1, 7)$ is $y - 7 = -\tfrac12(x - 1)$. Identify gradients 梯度 and intercepts graphically AND algebraically (A10).
Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. For quadratics (A11) identify roots, intercepts and turning points graphically; additional foundation deduces roots algebraically; Higher deduces turning points by completing the square 配方: $y = x^2 - 6x + 5 = (x - 3)^2 - 4$ has minimum $(3, -4)$ and the symmetry $x = 3$. Recognise and sketch linear and quadratic graphs (A12); the additional tier adds simple cubics and the reciprocal 倒数 $y = \tfrac1x$ ($x \ne 0$); Higher adds exponentials $y = k^x$ ($k > 0$) and $y = \sin x$, $\cos x$, $\tan x$ for angles of any size. Sketch translations and reflections of a given function (A13) — $y = f(x) + a$ up, $y = f(x + a)$ left. Plot and interpret non-standard real-context graphs including kinematic distance/speed/acceleration (A14, reciprocal and exponential at Higher); estimate gradients and areas under graphs and interpret them as rates and distances (A15 — a velocity-time area is distance).
Higher A16: the circle centred at the origin has $x^2 + y^2 = r^2$, and the tangent at $(x_1, y_1)$ has gradient $-\tfrac{x_1}{y_1}$ (radius gradient $\tfrac{y_1}{x_1}$; product $-1$).
Vocabulaire EntrainerEnglish Français gradient/ˈɡreɪdɪənt/ The spatial rate and direction of change of a quantity; for a scalar field its gradient points towards the steepest increase. completing the square/kəmˈpliːtɪŋ ðə skweə/ Rewriting a quadratic expression as a squared linear expression plus or minus a constant. reciprocal/rɪˈsɪprəkl/ The value obtained by dividing one by a non-zero number. perpendicular lines Lines meeting at a right angle, or 90 degrees. 2.2 2.5
Solving equations and inequalities
EnglishSolve linear equations in one unknown (A17) — unknown on either side, brackets included: $7x - 22 = 4x + 29$ gives $3x = 51$ and $x = 17$ (the 1H June 2024 anchor Q8). Quadratics (A18): factorise $x^2 + bx + c$ (Foundation additional, including rearrangement), so each root 零点 comes from a zero factor; Higher adds completing the square and the quadratic formula, with the discriminant 判别式 deciding the root count — $x^2 + 6x + 2 = 0$ gives $x = -3 \pm \sqrt7$. Approximate solutions from graphs at every tier. Simultaneity (A19): two linear equations algebraically and graphically by elimination 消元法 (Foundation); Higher adds linear/quadratic — $y = 2x + 5$ with $y = x^2$: substituting gives $x^2 - 2x - 5 = 0$, so $x = 1 \pm \sqrt6$ — keep both intersections.
Iteration 迭代 (A20, Higher): solve numerically with suffix notation — from $x^3 - 3x - 1 = 0$, rearrange $x = \sqrt[3]{3x + 1}$ and iterate $x_{n+1} = \sqrt[3]{3x_n + 1}$ from $x_1 = 1$: $x_2 = 1.587$, $x_3 = 1.793$, $x_4 = 1.855$, $x_5 = 1.872$, converging to the root $1.879$ (3 d.p.). Show values to a stated accuracy and check the final value back in the original equation.
Translate situations into algebra (A21) — derive and solve, including geometry and context problems. Inequalities (A22): solve linear inequalities in one variable (Foundation) with number-line representation (open circle strict, closed circle included); Higher solves linear inequalities in one or two variables and quadratic inequalities, with set notation 集合记号 and graphical regions — $x^2 - x - 6 > 0$ factors to $(x - 3)(x + 2) > 0$, so $x < -2$ or $x > 3$, written $\{x{:}\ x < -2\} \cup \{x{:}\ x > 3\}$; dashed boundary lines for strict inequalities.
Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Vocabulaire EntrainerEnglish Français root/ruːt/ racine (zéro) discriminant/dɪˈskrɪmɪnənt/ discriminant elimination/ɪˌlɪmɪˈneɪʃn/ élimination iteration/ˌɪtəˈreɪʃn/ itération set notation Symbols used to describe sets, their members and relations such as union and intersection. arithmetic progression/əˈrɪθmətɪk prəˈɡreʃn/ A sequence in which the difference between consecutive terms is constant. geometric progression/ˌdʒiːəʊˈmetrɪk prəˈɡreʃn/ A sequence formed by multiplying each term by the same constant to obtain the next. 2.3
Suites
EnglishGenerate terms from term-to-term and position-to-term rules, including patterns and diagrams (A23). Recognise triangular, square and cube numbers and simple arithmetic progressions 等差数列 (A24); additional foundation adds Fibonacci-type sequences, quadratic sequences and geometric progressions 等比数列 $ar^n$ ($r$ a positive rational); Higher adds other/recursively-defined sequences and surd ratios. Deduce nth terms 通项 (A25): linear $an + b$ (Foundation), quadratic $an^2 + bn + c$ at Higher — for $5, 9, 17, 29, 45, \ldots$ the second difference is $4$, so $a = 2$ and the sequence is $2n^2 - 2n + 5$ (check $n = 4$: $32 - 8 + 5 = 29$).
Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Vocabulaire EntrainerEnglish Français nth term/ˌenˌtiːˈeɪtʃ tɜːm/ A rule giving a sequence's term at position n. 2.3
Checklist
English- Notation $ab$, $3y$, $a^2$, $\tfrac ab$; substitution into scientific formulae; vocabulary including identity (A1–A3).
- Collect terms, brackets, common factors, index laws; two binomials and $x^2 + bx + c$ (Foundation); surds and algebraic fractions (Higher) (A4).
- Standard formulae and changing the subject (A5); identities, arguments and proofs (A6).
- Functions with inputs/outputs; inverse and composite with $f$, fg, $f^{-1}$ notation (A7, Higher).
- Coordinates, plotting, parallel lines (Foundation); equation through two points/point+gradient, perpendicular lines (Higher) (A8–A9).
- Gradients and intercepts both ways (A10); roots, intercepts, turning points — by completing the square at Higher (A11).
- Sketch linear, quadratic, cubic, reciprocal, exponential and trig graphs; translations/reflections; real-context and kinematic graphs; gradient/area interpretation (A12–A15).
- Circle $x^2 + y^2 = r^2$ with tangent gradients (A16, Higher).
- Linear equations both sides (Q8 anchor); quadratics by factorising, formula, completing the square; linear and linear/quadratic simultaneity keeping both roots (A17–A19).
- Iteration with suffix notation to a stated accuracy (A20); modelling and context equations (A21); inequalities with number lines, set notation and graphical regions (A22).
- Sequence types incl. Fibonacci, quadratic, geometric with surd ratios; linear and quadratic nth terms (A23–A25).
Boundary notes: the Formulae Sheet provides the quadratic formula; iteration answers must state the accuracy; graphical inequality conventions (dashed strict, solid included) are required. Worked examples above are adapted from the June 2024 Higher papers (see the meta's assessment evidence) or original.
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3
Ratio, proportion et taux de variation
3.1 3.3
Ratio, proportion et taux de variation
EnglishAQA GCSE Mathematics 8300 topic 3.3 (specification Version 1.0, 12 September 2014, first exams 2017). Foundation rows R1–R16 run in three tiers; the Higher-only additions are compound units (density, pressure) in numerical AND algebraic contexts (R1), working with percentages above 100% and original-value problems (R9), $k : k^2 : k^3$ similarity ratios (R12), constructing equations for direct and inverse proportion (R13), instantaneous rate of change as the gradient of a tangent (R15), and general iterative processes beyond compound interest (R16). The June 2024 Higher set supplies verified anchors below.
Must-know for topic 3.3:
Family Formulae multipliers increase $r\%$: $\times\left(1 + \tfrac r{100}\right)$; decrease: $\times\left(1 - \tfrac r{100}\right)$; original value $=$ final $\div$ multiplier compound units speed $= \dfrac dt$; density $= \dfrac mV$; pressure $= \dfrac FA$ proportion direct $y = kx^n$; inverse $y = \tfrac k{x^n}$ — find $k$ from one pair growth/decay $A = P\left(1 \pm \tfrac r{100}\right)^n$; iterative $x_{n+1} = f(x_n)$ 3.1 3.3
Units, ratio notation and sharing
EnglishChange freely between related standard units (time, length, area, volume/capacity, mass) and compound units (speed, rates of pay, prices) in numerical contexts; additional foundation adds density 密度 and pressure 压强, and Higher works them in numerical AND algebraic contexts — a cylinder of volume $V = 2x^3$ and mass $m = 5x^2$ has density $\tfrac{5x^2}{2x^3} = \tfrac{5}{2x}$.
Ratio notation reduces to simplest form ($45 : 60 = 3 : 4$); express one quantity as a fraction of another (fraction above or below 1); divide a quantity in a part : part or part : whole ratio 部分与整体的比 — £350 in $2 : 5$ gives £100 and £250. Express a multiplicative relationship as ratio or fraction (R6); proportion as equality of ratios (R7); relate ratios to fractions and LINEAR functions (R8: the unitary method and $y = kx$ are the same ladder). Apply ratio to real contexts — conversion, comparison, scaling, mixing, concentrations, better value/best-buy 最优惠购买 problems (R5): compare unit prices before deciding.
Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Vocabulaire EntrainerEnglish Français density/ˈdensɪti/ densité pressure/ˈpreʃə/ Force acting normally per unit area. best-buy The option that gives the best value when comparable quantities, prices and relevant conditions are considered. 3.2
Percentages and percentage change
EnglishPercentage is parts per hundred; interpret percentages and percentage changes as fractions/decimals and MULTIPLICATIVELY (R9). Additional foundation: express one quantity as a percentage of another, compare two quantities, work above 100%, percentage increase/decrease, original-value problems and simple interest. The multiplier 乘数 discipline: +12% is ×1.12; −17% is ×0.83; original value divides the final by the multiplier.
Worked example (2H June 2024 Q2, adapted). A town's population fell by 12% to 2200. Original $= 2200 \div 0.88 = 2500$. The MS's own multiplier check: $2{,}200{,}000 \div 0.88 = 2.5 \times 10^6$ in standard form — same division, scaled-up numbers.
Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Vocabulaire EntrainerEnglish Français multiplier/ˌmʌltɪˈplaɪə/ facteur multiplicateur part-to-whole ratio/pɑːt tə həʊl ˈreɪʃɪəʊ/ rapport partie-tout 3.1
Proportion directe et inverse
EnglishSolve direct and inverse proportion problems with graphical and ALGEBRAIC representations (R10). Higher interprets and CONSTRUCTS equations describing proportion (R13): $X \propto Y$ means $X = kY$; $X$ inversely proportional to $Y$ means $X = k/Y$. If $y \propto x^3$ with $y = 24$ at $x = 2$, then the constant of proportionality 比例常数 is $k = 3$; if $p \propto \tfrac1{x^2}$ with $p = 8$ at $x = 2$, then $k = 32$ and $p = \tfrac{32}{x^2}$. Recognise and interpret the graphs: direct proportion 正比例 is a straight line through the origin (higher powers curve upward); inverse proportion 反比例 is a reciprocal-shaped curve (R14 links the gradient of a straight line to a rate of change).
Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Vocabulaire EntrainerEnglish Français constant of proportionality/ˈkɒnstənt ɒv prəˌpɔːʃəˈnælɪti/ constante de proportionnalité direct proportion/daɪˈrekt prəˈpɔːʃn/ A relationship y = kx, a straight line through the origin with constant ratio y/x. inverse proportion/ɪnˈvɜːs prəˈpɔːʃn/ A relationship y = k/x, where doubling one quantity halves the other. 3.3
Rates and compound units
EnglishUse compound units — speed, rates of pay, unit pricing (Foundation additional); density and pressure (R11), including comparisons. A 234 km journey in 2 h 36 min averages $234 \div 2.6 = 90$ km/h; £9.20/h for 7.5 h pays £69; best-buy comparisons divide price by quantity and compare like with like.
Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. 3.1 3.3
Scale factors, similarity and gradients
EnglishUse scale 比例尺 factors, scale diagrams and maps (R2, incl. geometrical problems). Compare lengths, areas and volumes using ratio notation and scale factors (R12): lengths $k$ : area scale factors 面积比例因子 $k^2$ : volumes $k^3$, with links to similarity including trigonometric ratios; Higher extends to the $k : k^2 : k^3$ ladder in problems — similar statues of heights $3 : 5$ have volumes in ratio $27 : 125$, so a 216 cm³ smaller statue scales to $216 \times \tfrac{125}{27} = 1000$ cm³.
Interpret the gradient of a straight-line graph as a rate of change 变化率 (R14) — on a distance-time graph it is speed; on a velocity-time graph the gradient is acceleration and the AREA is distance. Higher (R15) reads the gradient at a point on a CURVE as the instantaneous rate of change: draw the tangent and take its gradient 切线斜率 as rise/run — and applies average (chord) and instantaneous (tangent) rates in numerical, algebraic and graphical contexts.
Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Vocabulaire EntrainerEnglish Français scale/skeɪl/ échelle area scale factor/ˈeərɪə skeɪl ˈfæktə/ facteur d'échelle d'aire rate of change/reɪt ɒv tʃeɪndʒ/ The change in one quantity divided by the corresponding change in another. tangent gradient/ˈtændʒənt ˈɡreɪdɪənt/ The slope of a tangent, used to estimate a curve’s rate at one input. 3.2
Growth, decay and iterative processes
EnglishSet up, solve and INTERPRET growth and decay problems including compound interest 复利 (R16): $A = P\left(1 \pm \tfrac r{100}\right)^n$. £2000 at 3% compound for 4 years grows to $2000 \times 1.03^4 = £2251.02$; a car worth £12000 losing 15%/year falls to $12000 \times 0.85^3 = £7369.50$.
Worked example (2H June 2024 Q10, adapted). A house worth £90000 rises 3% then 8%: $90000 \times 1.03 \times 1.08 = £100116$ — above £100000, so yes. The MS's multiplier route: $1.03 \times 1.08 = 1.1124 > 1.111\ldots = 100000/90000$. Higher adds general iterative processes 迭代过程: $x_{n+1} = f(x_n)$ cycles for repeated percentages — a quantity gaining 5% each cycle iterates $x_{n+1} = 1.05x_n$, and the limit (if any) solves $x = f(x)$. Interpret answers in context: round sensibly and state the unit.
Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Vocabulaire EntrainerEnglish Français compound interest/ˈkɒmpaʊnd ˈɪntrest/ intérêt composé iterative process A repeated calculation in which each result is used as an input to the next step. 3.2
Checklist
English- Unit and compound-unit conversions incl. density and pressure, algebraic at Higher (R1, R11).
- Scale factors, diagrams and maps (R2); quantities as fractions; ratio notation, sharing, real-context and best-buy problems (R3–R5).
- Multiplicative relationships as ratio/fraction; proportion as equality of ratios; ratios to fractions and linear functions (R6–R8).
- Percentage multipliers incl. above 100%, change, original value, simple interest (R9; Q2 anchor).
- Direct and inverse proportion graphically and algebraically; interpret and construct proportion equations (R10, R13).
- Gradients as rates of change; chord (average) and tangent (instantaneous) rates (R14–R15).
- Length : area : volume ratios $k : k^2 : k^3$ with similarity links (R12).
- Growth and decay incl. compound interest; general iterative processes with interpretation (R16; Q10 anchor).
Boundary notes: the Formulae Sheet gives nothing for this topic; best-buy comparisons must show unit prices; Higher iterative processes include convergence checks. Worked examples are adapted from the June 2024 Higher papers (see the meta's assessment evidence) or original.
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4
Géométrie et mesures
4.1
Géométrie et mesures – support d'enseignement natif
EnglishAQA GCSE Mathematics 8300 topic 3.4 (specification Version 1.0, 12 September 2014, first exams 2017). Foundation rows G1–G25 run in three tiers; the Higher-only additions are negative enlargement scale factors (G7), describing change and invariance under combinations of transformations (G8), proving the standard circle theorems (G10), constructing plans and elevations (G13), surface area and volume of spheres, pyramids, cones and composite solids incl. frustums (G17), the $k : k^2 : k^3$ similarity ladder (G19), right and general triangles in 3D (G20), the sine and cosine rules (G22), $\tfrac12 ab\sin C$ (G23) and geometric vector proofs (G25). The June 2024 Higher set supplies verified anchors below.
Must-know for topic 3.4:
Family Formulae angle sums triangle $180^\circ$; polygon interior $(n-2) \times 180^\circ$; exterior turn $\tfrac{360^\circ}{n}$ circles $C = 2\pi r = \pi d$; $A = \pi r^2$; arc $= \tfrac\theta{360^\circ} \cdot 2\pi r$; sector $= \tfrac\theta{360^\circ} \cdot \pi r^2$ plane/solid triangle $\tfrac12 bh$; parallelogram $bh$; trapezium $\tfrac12(a+b)h$; prism $A_{\text{cross}}L$; cylinder $\pi r^2 h$; cone $\tfrac13\pi r^2 h$; sphere $\tfrac43\pi r^3$, $4\pi r^2$ triangles $a^2 + b^2 = c^2$; $\sin\theta = \tfrac{\text{opp}}{\text{hyp}}$, $\cos\theta = \tfrac{\text{adj}}{\text{hyp}}$, $\tan\theta = \tfrac{\text{opp}}{\text{adj}}$; sine rule $\tfrac a{\sin A} = \tfrac b{\sin B}$; cosine rule $a^2 = b^2 + c^2 - 2bc\cos A$; area $\tfrac12 ab\sin C$ similarity lengths $k$ : areas $k^2$ : volumes $k^3$ 4.1
Terms, angle facts and polygons
EnglishUse conventional terms and notations — points, lines, vertices, edges, planes, parallel lines, perpendicular lines, right angles, polygons, regular polygon 正多边形 (all sides and all angles equal) and polygons with reflection and/or rotation symmetries (G1); label sides and angles of triangles in the standard way ($AB$ a side, angle $ABC$ at vertex $B$) and draw diagrams from written descriptions. Corresponding angles 同位角 and alternate angles need parallel lines stated, never "Z-angles" (G3): angles at a point sum to $360^\circ$, on a line $180^\circ$, vertically opposite angles are equal; derive the triangle sum $180^\circ$ (a line through a vertex parallel to the opposite base transfers the two base angles onto a straight line) and hence the polygon interior sum $(n-2) \times 180^\circ$ — a pentagon splits into three triangles: $540^\circ$; a regular hexagon has interior angles of $120^\circ$ and exterior turns of $60^\circ$; an exterior turn of $45^\circ$ means 8 sides.
Derive and apply the properties and definitions of the special quadrilaterals (G4): a square has 4 equal sides, 4 right angles, 4 line of symmetry 对称轴 and rotational order 4; a non-square rectangle has opposite sides equal and equal bisecting diagonals; a rhombus has 4 equal sides and perpendicular bisecting diagonals; a parallelogram's opposite sides are equal (a diagonal splits it into congruent triangles by ASA); a kite has two pairs of adjacent equal sides; a trapezium has one pair of parallel sides. Triangles: isosceles (two equal sides, equal base angles), equilateral, scalene, right-angled, acute, obtuse.
Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Vocabulaire EntrainerEnglish Français regular polygon/ˈreɡjʊlə ˈpɒlɪɡən/ A polygon with all sides and all interior angles equal. corresponding angles/ˌkɒrɪˈspɒndɪŋ ˈæŋɡlz/ angles correspondants line of symmetry/laɪn ɒv ˈsɪmətri/ axe de symétrie 4.4
Constructions, loci and transformations
EnglishUse the standard ruler and compass constructions (additional foundation, G2): the perpendicular bisector 垂直平分线 of a segment (equal arcs from both endpoints, radius more than half the segment), the perpendicular to a line from or at a given point, and the bisector of a given angle; construct an angle of $60^\circ$ from two equal-radius circles (an equilateral triangle). Use these to construct given figures and solve locus 轨迹 problems — points equidistant from two points lie on the perpendicular bisector; at fixed distance $r$ from a point, on a circle; equidistant from two lines, on an angle bisector. The perpendicular distance from a point to a line is the shortest (any slanted route is a longer hypotenuse). Keep the construction arcs as evidence.
Identify, describe and construct congruent and similar shapes by rotation, reflection, translation and enlargement 放大 (G7), including on coordinate axes; additional foundation adds fractional scale factors; Higher adds negative ones. For centre $C = (1,1)$, point $P = (3,2)$ and factor $k$, the image is $C + k(P - C)$: $k = 2$ gives $(5,3)$, $k = \tfrac12$ gives $(2, 1.5)$, and the Higher $k = -2$ gives $(-3,-1)$, on the opposite side of the centre. Higher (G8) describes the changes and invariant 不变量 properties achieved by combinations of rotations, reflections and translations: lengths and angles are preserved (isometries); two reflections in parallel lines $x = 0$ then $x = 2$ send $(3,2)$ to $(-3,2)$ then $(7,2)$ — a translation by $(4,0)$; in intersecting lines they give a rotation through twice the directed angle between the mirrors. Translations are written with column-vector notation.
Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Vocabulaire EntrainerEnglish Français perpendicular bisector/ˌpɜːpənˈdɪkjʊlə baɪˈsektə/ A line that crosses a line segment at its midpoint and at a right angle. locus/ˈləʊkəs/ lieu géométrique enlargement/enˈlɑːdʒmənt/ A transformation that scales distances from a fixed centre by a specified scale factor. invariant/ɪnˈveərɪənt/ invariant hypotenuse/haɪˈpɒtənjuːs/ hypoténuse 4.1 4.5
Congruence, similarity and circle theorems
EnglishApply the basic congruence 全等 criteria for triangles — SSS, SAS, ASA, RHS (G5) — matching vertices in order; AAA gives similarity, not congruence, and SSA is not a criterion.
Worked example (2H June 2024 Q12, adapted). Two triangles share three equal corresponding sides. The one-word congruence reason: SSS.
Apply angle facts, triangle congruence, similarity and quadrilateral properties to conjecture and derive results, including Pythagoras' theorem and the equality of the base angles of an isosceles triangle, and use known results to obtain simple proofs (G6). For isosceles $ABC$ with $AB = AC$ and $D$ the midpoint 中点 of $BC$: triangles $ABD$ and $ACD$ agree in $AB = AC$, $BD = DC$ and shared $AD$, so SSS gives congruence and matching base angles $ABC = BCA$; the two angles at $D$ are equal and sum to $180^\circ$, so each is $90^\circ$. Pythagoras follows from four congruent right triangles around a tilted square inside a square of side $a + b$: $(a+b)^2 = 4 \cdot \tfrac{ab}2 + c^2$, hence $a^2 + b^2 = c^2$.
Identify and apply circle definitions and properties (G9): centre, radius, chord, diameter ($d = 2r$), circumference 圆周长, with additional foundation adding tangent, arc, sector 扇形 and segment 弓形 — a sector is bounded by two radii and an arc; a segment lies between a chord and an arc. The perpendicular from the centre to a chord bisects it: a chord 3 cm from the centre of a radius-5 circle has length $2\sqrt{5^2 - 3^2} = 8$ cm.
Worked example (2H June 2024 Q1, adapted). Name each shaded region from: arc, chord, sector, segment, tangent — the sliver between a chord and the arc is the segment; the pie-slice between two radii and their arc is the sector.
Higher (G10) applies and PROVES the standard circle theorems: the angle at the centre 圆心角 is twice the angle at the circumference on the same arc (prove with two isosceles triangles on equal radii: $\angle AOB = 360^\circ - (180^\circ - 2\alpha) - (180^\circ - 2\beta) = 2(\alpha + \beta)$); the angle in a semicircle is $90^\circ$; angles in the same segment are equal; opposite angles of a cyclic quadrilateral 圆内接四边形 sum to $180^\circ$; the tangent at any point is perpendicular to the radius there; tangents from an external point are equal (RHS on the two contact triangles); the perpendicular from the centre to a chord bisects it; and the alternate segment theorem 弦切角定理 — the tangent-chord angle equals the angle in the opposite segment (a tangent-chord angle of $35^\circ$ gives $35^\circ$ in that segment).
Worked example (1H June 2024 Q22, adapted). Two tangents from $P$ touch a circle at $A$ and $B$; angle $APB = 24^\circ$. Draw $AO$ and $BO$: the quadrilateral $OAPB$ has two $90^\circ$ contact angles, so the reflex angle at $O$ is $360^\circ - 90^\circ - 90^\circ - 24^\circ = 156^\circ$, and the acute angle $x = \tfrac{156^\circ}{2} = 78^\circ$ (or: the angle at the centre on the same arc is $2x$, vertically opposite the reflex angle).
Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Vocabulaire EntrainerEnglish Français congruence/ˈkɒŋɡruːəns/ congruence midpoint/ˈmɪdpɔɪnt/ milieu circumference/sɜːˈkʌmfrəns/ circonférence sector/ˈsektə/ secteur segment/ˈseɡmənt/ segment (cercle) angle at the centre/ˈæŋɡl æt ðə ˈsentə/ angle au centre cyclic quadrilateral/ˈsaɪklɪk ˌkwɒdrɪˈlætərəl/ quadrilatère cyclique alternate segment theorem/ɔːlˈtɜːnət ˈseɡmənt ˈθɪərəm/ théorème du segment alternatif 4.2
Mensuration: perimeter, area and volume
EnglishUse standard units of measure and related concepts (G14). Identify the faces, surfaces, edges and vertices of cubes, cuboids, prisms, cylinders, pyramids, cones and spheres (G12); interpret — and at Higher construct — plans and elevations of 3D shapes (G13): for a $4 \times 3 \times 2$ cuboid the plan is $4 \times 3$, the front elevation 立面图 $4 \times 2$, the side elevation $3 \times 2$. Measure line segments and angles in geometric figures, including interpreting maps and scale drawings and use of bearing 方位角 (G15): three-figure bearings measured clockwise from north — east $090^\circ$, and the reverse of $070^\circ$ is $070^\circ + 180^\circ = 250^\circ$; on a 1 : 10000 map, 3 cm represents 300 m.
Know and apply the area formulae for triangles ($\tfrac12 b \times$ perpendicular height 垂直高度), parallelograms and trapezia, and volume of cuboids and other right prisms including cylinders (G16): a trapezium with parallel sides 6 and 10 and height 4 has area $\tfrac12(6+10) \times 4 = 32$ cm²; a triangular prism with end area 12 cm² and length 10 cm has volume 120 cm³. Know the circle formulae (G17): $C = 2\pi r = \pi d$, $A = \pi r^2$; a radius-4 circle has circumference $8\pi$ and area $16\pi$; the semicircle on it has area $8\pi$ and perimeter $4\pi + 8$; an annulus with radii 5 and 3 has area $\pi(25 - 9) = 16\pi$. Additional foundation: surface area and volume of spheres, pyramids, cones and composite solids, incl. frustum 截锥体 — a cone with $r = 3$, $h = 4$ has slant 5, volume $12\pi$, curved area $15\pi$ and total $24\pi$; a sphere with $r = 3$ has volume $36\pi$ and surface $36\pi$; a frustum from a $6,8$-cone (slant 10) minus a similar $3,4$-cone (slant 5) has volume $96\pi - 12\pi = 84\pi$. Solutions in terms of $\pi$ may be asked for.
Calculate arc lengths, angles and areas of sectors (G18, additional foundation): at $r = 6$ and $\theta = 120^\circ$ the fraction is $\tfrac13$, so the arc is $4\pi$ and the sector area is $12\pi$; a sector of radius 6 and area $9\pi$ has fraction $\tfrac14$, so $\theta = 90^\circ$.
Worked example (1H June 2024 Q12, adapted). A sector of radius 12 cm has angle $60^\circ$: arc $= \tfrac{60}{360} \times 2 \times 12 \times \pi = 4\pi$ cm — show the full-circle quantity and the fraction before multiplying.
Apply congruence and similarity, including the relationships between lengths, areas and volumes in similar figures (G19; Higher): the $k : k^2 : k^3$ ladder with scale factor 相似比 $k$.
Worked example (2H June 2024 Q25, adapted). A right-angled triangular prism has edge ratio $a : b : c : d = 3 : 4 : 5 : 12$ and volume 1125 cm³. Write the edges as $3k, 4k, 5k, 12k$: volume $= \tfrac12(3k)(4k)(12k) = 72k^3 = 1125$, so $k^3 = 15.625$ and $k = 2.5$. Total edge length $= 2(3+4+5)k + 3 \times 12k = 60k = 150$ cm (two of each cross-section edge, three length edges).
Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Vocabulaire EntrainerEnglish Français elevation/ˌelɪˈveɪʃn/ élévation bearing/ˈbeərɪŋ/ capacité perpendicular height/ˌpɜːpənˈdɪkjʊlə haɪt/ hauteur perpendiculaire frustum/ˈfrʌstəm/ tronc de cône scale factor/skeɪl ˈfæktə/ facteur d'échelle 4.3
Pythagoras and trigonometry
EnglishKnow Pythagoras' theorem $a^2 + b^2 = c^2$ and the trigonometric ratios (G20) — $\sin\theta = \tfrac{\text{opposite}}{\textbf{hypotenuse}}$ 斜边, $\cos\theta = \tfrac{\text{adjacent}}{\text{hypotenuse}}$, $\tan\theta = \tfrac{\text{opposite}}{\text{adjacent}}$ — and apply them to find angles and lengths in right-angled triangles in 2D figures; Higher applies them (and, where possible, general-triangle rules) in 2D AND 3D. A 3-4-5 ladder footed 3 m out reaches $c = \sqrt{3^2 + 4^2} = 5$ m. In 3D, isolate the right triangle: a $3 \times 4 \times 12$ cuboid has base diagonal $\sqrt{9+16} = 5$, space diagonal $\sqrt{25 + 144} = 13$, and the space diagonal meets the base at $\tan\alpha = \tfrac{12}{5}$, so $\alpha \approx 67.4^\circ$.
Worked example (2H June 2024 Q18, adapted). In a right triangle the hypotenuse is 23.7 and $x$ is the side adjacent 邻边 to the marked angle $52^\circ$: $\cos 52^\circ = \tfrac{x}{23.7}$ (a sine-rule rearrangement $\tfrac{x}{\sin 38^\circ} = \tfrac{23.7}{\sin 90^\circ}$ also works), so $x = 23.7 \cos 52^\circ = 14.6$ (1 dp).
Know the exact value 精确值 of $\sin\theta$ and $\cos\theta$ for $\theta = 0^\circ, 30^\circ, 45^\circ, 60^\circ, 90^\circ$ and of $\tan\theta$ for $0^\circ, 30^\circ, 45^\circ, 60^\circ$ (G21, additional foundation) — derive them from the bisected equilateral triangle ($1, \sqrt3, 2$) and the right isosceles triangle ($1, 1, \sqrt2$): $\sin 30^\circ = \tfrac12$, $\cos 30^\circ = \tfrac{\sqrt3}{2}$, $\tan 30^\circ = \tfrac1{\sqrt3}$, $\sin 45^\circ = \cos 45^\circ = \tfrac{\sqrt2}{2}$, $\tan 60^\circ = \sqrt3$; $\tan 90^\circ$ is undefined.
Worked example (1H June 2024 Q25, adapted). Show that $6\sin 30^\circ + 2\cos 30^\circ \times 4\tan 30^\circ$ is an integer: $6 \times \tfrac12 + \sqrt3 \times \tfrac4{\sqrt3} = 3 + 4 = 7$ — the surds cancel before any rounding.
Higher knows and applies the sine rule $\tfrac{a}{\sin A} = \tfrac{b}{\sin B} = \tfrac{c}{\sin C}$ and the cosine rule $a^2 = b^2 + c^2 - 2bc\cos A$ (G22), and the area formula $A = \tfrac12 ab\sin C$ with the included angle 夹角 between $a$ and $b$ (G23). Sides 6 and 8 enclosing $60^\circ$ give $c^2 = 36 + 64 - 96 \times \tfrac12 = 52$ so $c = 2\sqrt{13}$, and area $\tfrac12 \times 6 \times 8 \times \tfrac{\sqrt3}{2} = 12\sqrt3$. Sine rule: with $a = 4$ opposite $A = 30^\circ$ and $B = 45^\circ$, $b = \tfrac{4\sin 45^\circ}{\sin 30^\circ} = 4\sqrt2$. An inverse sine may give an acute angle and an obtuse supplement — check the angle sum before choosing.
Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Vocabulaire EntrainerEnglish Français adjacent/əˈdʒeɪsənt/ The side next to the chosen angle that is not the hypotenuse. exact value/eɡˈzækt ˈvæljuː/ valeur exacte included angle/ɪnˈkluːdɪd ˈæŋɡl/ angle compris 4.4
Vectors and coordinate geometry
EnglishDescribe translations as 2D vectors (G24) — column notation, the top entry horizontal. Apply addition and subtraction of vectors, multiplication by a scalar, and diagrammatic and column representations (G25): with $\mathbf a = (4,1)$ and $\mathbf b = (1,3)$, $\mathbf a + \mathbf b = (5,4)$ and $2\mathbf a - \mathbf b = (7,-1)$; from $A = (1,2)$ to $B = (5,5)$, $\overrightarrow{AB} = (4,3)$ with length 5. Higher uses vectors to construct geometric arguments and proofs: a scalar multiple $\overrightarrow{MN} = \tfrac12\overrightarrow{AB}$ proves $MN$ parallel to $AB$ and half its length (midpoints average position vectors); collinear 共线 points need a scalar-multiple relation AND a shared point.
Worked example (2H June 2024 Q23, adapted). With $\overrightarrow{CD} = 6\mathbf a + \mathbf b$, $\overrightarrow{CE} = 14\mathbf a - 3\mathbf b$ and $\overrightarrow{CF} = 16\mathbf a - 4\mathbf b$: the displacement $\overrightarrow{DE} = (14\mathbf a - 3\mathbf b) - (6\mathbf a + \mathbf b) = 8\mathbf a - 4\mathbf b$, while $\overrightarrow{EF} = (16\mathbf a - 4\mathbf b) - (14\mathbf a - 3\mathbf b) = 2\mathbf a - \mathbf b$. So $\overrightarrow{DE} = 4\,\overrightarrow{EF}$ — parallel with a shared point $E$, so $DEF$ is a straight line.
Solve geometrical problems on coordinate axes (G11): horizontal/vertical lengths by subtracting coordinates, diagonals by Pythagoras, midpoints by averaging — $A(1,2)$, $B(5,2)$, $C(5,5)$, $D(1,5)$ has $AB = 4$, $BC = 3$, diagonal $AC = 5$ and diagonals meeting at their common midpoint $(3, 3.5)$: a rectangle.
Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Vocabulaire EntrainerEnglish Français collinear/ˈkɒlɪnɪə/ aligné 4.4
Checklist
English- Conventional terms and notations; triangle labelling; diagrams from written descriptions (G1).
- Ruler and compass constructions incl. $60^\circ$; loci problems; shortest distance (G2).
- Angle facts at a point/line/vertically opposite; alternate and corresponding with reasons; polygon sums derived (G3).
- Quadrilateral and triangle properties derived and applied (G4); congruence criteria SSS SAS ASA RHS (G5; Q12 anchor); conjecture-derive-prove chains incl. Pythagoras and isosceles base angles (G6).
- Transformations incl. fractional and negative scale factors; change and invariance under combinations (G7–G8).
- Circle parts named (G9; Q1 anchor); circle theorems applied AND proved at Higher (G10; Q22 anchor).
- Coordinate-axis geometry (G11); solids' faces/edges/vertices (G12); plans and elevations (G13); units (G14); maps, scale drawings, bearings (G15).
- Areas and prism/cylinder volumes (G16); circle measures, spheres, cones, pyramids and frustums, exact $\pi$ answers (G17); arcs and sectors (G18; Q12 anchor); the $k : k^2 : k^3$ ladder (G19; Q25 anchor).
- Pythagoras and trig ratios in 2D and 3D (G20; Q18 anchor); exact trig values (G21; Q25 anchor); sine and cosine rules (G22); $\tfrac12 ab \sin C$ (G23).
- Translations as vectors; vector arithmetic; geometric proofs incl. collinearity (G24–G25; Q23 anchor).
Boundary notes: the enclosed Formulae Sheet carries the trapezium area, prism volume, circle circumference/area, Pythagoras, the three trig ratios, the sine and cosine rules and $\tfrac12 ab\sin C$ — it does NOT carry arc/sector formulae, cone/pyramid/sphere volumes, exact trig values or circle theorems; those must be known. Angle reasons must name the theorem, never letter shapes. Worked examples are adapted from the June 2024 Higher papers (see the meta's assessment evidence) or original.
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5
Probabilité
5.1
Probabilité
EnglishAQA GCSE Mathematics 8300 topic 3.5 (specification Version 1.0, 12 September 2014, first exams 2017). Foundation rows P1–P9 run in three tiers; the additional foundation rows are empirical unbiased samples tending toward theoretical distributions (P5), tree diagrams as a systematic device (P6) and the probability of independent and DEPENDENT combined events with their underlying assumptions (P8); the Higher-only row is conditional probability through expected frequencies with two-way tables, tree diagrams and Venn diagrams (P9). The June 2024 Higher set supplies verified anchors below.
Must-know for topic 3.5:
Family Formulae scale $0 \le P \le 1$; exhaustive mutually exclusive outcomes: $\sum P = 1$; complement $P(A') = 1 - P(A)$ empirical relative frequency 相对频率 $= \tfrac{\text{times occurred}}{\text{trials}}$; expected count $= n \times p$ combining independent: $P(A \cap B) = P(A) \times P(B)$; dependent: adjust the second-stage denominator conditioning $P(A \mid B) = \dfrac{P(A \cap B)}{P(B)}$, $P(B) > 0$ Vocabulaire EntrainerEnglish Français relative frequency/ˈrelətɪv ˈfriːkwənsi/ fréquence relative 5.1
Experiments, frequency and expectation
EnglishRecord, describe and analyse the frequency of outcomes of probability experiments using tables and frequency tree 频率树 (P1) — probabilities written as fractions, decimals or percentages. Apply ideas of randomness, fairness and equally likely events to calculate EXPECTED outcomes of multiple future experiments (P2): for a stated probability $p$, the expected count in $n$ future trials is $np$ — a long-run average, never a guarantee. A spinner landing red 18 times in 60 spins estimates $P(\text{red}) = \tfrac{18}{60} = 0.3$, so 200 future spins expect $0.3 \times 200 = 60$ reds; 48 or 54 heads in 100 fair tosses is possible even though 50 is expected.
Worked example (3H June 2024 Q10, adapted). The probability of rain on a June day in a town is 0.38. Of 150 days, the expected number of dry days: $1 - 0.38 = 0.62$, then $0.62 \times 150 = 93$.
Understand that EMPIRICAL unbiased samples tend toward the theoretical distribution with increasing sample size (P5) — 6 heads in 10 tosses estimates 0.6; 502 in 1000 estimates 0.502; larger samples are more stable but never forced to agree exactly.
Worked example (2H June 2024 Q7, adapted). Four students flip a coin different numbers of times; one gets 52 heads in 200 flips. The best estimate of $P(\text{head})$ is $\tfrac{52}{200}$ — it comes from the largest number of flips.
Vocabulaire EntrainerEnglish Français frequency tree A branching diagram showing how a total count divides into categories and subcategories. 5.1
The probability scale, fairness and exhaustive sums
EnglishRelate relative expected frequencies to theoretical probability using appropriate language and the 0-to-1 probability scale 概率标度 (P3); apply the property that the probabilities of an exhaustive set of (mutually exclusive) outcomes or events sum to 1 (P4). If red, blue and green are exhaustive with probabilities 0.3 and 0.45, the third is $1 - 0.75 = 0.25$.
Worked example (2H June 2024 Q4(b), adapted). A claimed probability list for a spinner adds to 1.1 — impossible: the probabilities of an exhaustive set of mutually exclusive outcomes sum to 1 (0.1 too much).
Worked example (3H June 2024 Q16, adapted). Two dice are rolled 72 times; one named total occurs 14 times. Theoretical $= \tfrac16$ (expected $72 \times \tfrac16 = 12$); relative frequency $= \tfrac{14}{72} = \tfrac7{36}$, which exceeds $\tfrac16$. This result alone does not establish bias: ordinary sampling variation can explain a difference from the expected frequency.
Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Vocabulaire EntrainerEnglish Français probability scale A scale from zero for an impossible event to one for a certain event. 5.1 5.2
Systematic listing and possibility spaces
EnglishEnumerate sets and combinations of sets SYSTEMATICALLY, using tables, grids and Venn diagrams, including tree diagrams at additional foundation (P6). Construct theoretical possibility space 可能性空间s for single and combined experiments with equally likely outcomes and use them to calculate theoretical probabilities (P7): a coin and a die give 12 equally likely ordered outcomes, heads-with-even is $\tfrac3{12} = \tfrac14$; two dice give 36 ordered pairs — total seven has $\tfrac6{36} = \tfrac16$ and at-least-eleven has $\tfrac3{36} = \tfrac1{12}$. State whether order matters, and why the listed outcomes are equally likely, before dividing counts.
Worked example (3H June 2024 Q22, adapted). A code uses four different digits from five: $5 \times 4 \times 3 \times 2 = 120$ possible codes — count systematically down each stage, never $5^4$ (repetition) nor $5!$ (one digit too many).
In a class of 30, 18 cycle, 12 swim and 7 do both: the Venn regions fill overlap-first — cycling only 11, swimming only 5, at least one $= 23$, neither 都不 7; the two-way table rows and columns then check back to 18, 12 and 30. Union, intersection 交集 and complement translate the words both, either/at least one, only and neither into counted regions; shade the correct region.
Worked example (2H June 2024 Q9, adapted). On a Venn diagram of two sets, "both A and B" shades the INTERSECTION — the overlap lens only.
Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Vocabulaire EntrainerEnglish Français possibility space The set of all possible outcomes of an experiment. neither Not one and not the other of two stated alternatives. intersection/ˌɪntəˈsekʃn/ intersection 5.2
Combined events and tree diagrams
EnglishCalculate the probability of independent and dependent combined events, including using tree diagram 树状图s and other representations, and know the underlying assumptions (P8) — including WHEN TO ADD and when to multiply: multiply along a path (successive stages), add across disjoint paths (mutually exclusive routes). A bag with 3 red and 2 blue counters: with replacement $P(RR) = \tfrac35 \times \tfrac35 = \tfrac9{25}$; without replacement $P(RR) = \tfrac35 \times \tfrac24 = \tfrac3{10}$ and $P(\text{one of each}) = \tfrac35 \times \tfrac24 + \tfrac25 \times \tfrac34 = \tfrac35$. Independent events keep every stage's denominator fixed — justify independence from the context (replacement, separate trials) before using a bare product; two disjoint events with positive probability are NOT independent.
Worked example (3H June 2024 Q12(b), adapted). A machine fails on a given day with probability 0.05, independently each day. $P(\text{at least one failure in two days}) = 1 - 0.95 \times 0.95 = 1 - 0.9025 = 0.0975$ — the complement route beats summing the three failing paths.
Vocabulaire EntrainerEnglish Français tree diagram/triː ˈdaɪəɡræm/ A branching diagram showing possible stages, outcomes or classifications and their relationships. 5.2
Probabilité conditionnelle
EnglishHigher (P9): calculate and interpret conditional probability 条件概率 through expected frequencies with two-way tables, tree diagrams and Venn diagrams — $P(A \mid B) = \tfrac{P(A \cap B)}{P(B)}$ with $P(B) > 0$: conditioning RESTRICTS the denominator to the given group. From the class of 30 (18 cycle, 12 swim, 7 both): $P(\text{swim} \mid \text{cycle}) = \tfrac7{18}$ while $P(\text{cycle} \mid \text{swim}) = \tfrac7{12}$ — reversing the condition changes the denominator, and neither equals the unconditional $\tfrac{12}{30}$. With expected frequencies: a condition affecting 20% of 1000 people, a test positive for 90% of those with it and 10% of those without, gives $180 + 80 = 260$ positives, of which $\tfrac{180}{260} = \tfrac9{13} \approx 0.692$ have the condition — not 90%. Given-positive and positive-given-condition are different questions.
Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Vocabulaire EntrainerEnglish Français conditional probability/kənˈdɪʃənl ˌprɒbəˈbɪlɪti/ probabilité conditionnelle 5.2
Checklist
English- Frequency tables and frequency trees for experiments; probabilities as fractions, decimals, percentages (P1).
- Randomness, fairness, equally likely events; expected outcomes of multiple future experiments (P2; Q10 anchor: $0.62 \times 150 = 93$).
- Relative frequency vs theoretical probability on the 0-to-1 scale (P3; Q16 anchor: $\tfrac{14}{72}$ vs $\tfrac16$).
- Exhaustive mutually exclusive outcomes sum to 1; complements (P4; Q4b anchor).
- Empirical unbiased samples tend toward theory with larger samples (P5; Q7 anchor: $\tfrac{52}{200}$ from the most flips).
- Systematic enumeration with tables, grids, Venn diagrams, trees (P6; Q22 anchor: $5 \times 4 \times 3 \times 2 = 120$).
- Theoretical possibility spaces for single and combined equally likely experiments (P7; Q4a anchor: $\tfrac26$).
- Independent and dependent combined events; multiply along paths, add disjoint routes; assumptions stated (P8; Q12b anchor: $1 - 0.95^2 = 0.0975$).
- Conditional probability via expected frequencies with two-way tables, trees, Venn diagrams (P9: $\tfrac7{18}$ vs $\tfrac7{12}$).
Boundary notes: nothing for this topic appears on the enclosed Formulae Sheet; "expected" is a long-run average, not a promise; independence must be justified from context before multiplying. Worked examples are adapted from the June 2024 Higher papers (see the meta's assessment evidence) or original.
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6
Statistiques
6.1
Statistiques – support d'enseignement natif
EnglishAQA GCSE Mathematics 8300 topic 3.6 (specification Version 1.0, 12 September 2014, first exams 2017). Rows S1–S6 run in three tiers; the additional foundation rows are inferring population properties from a sample while knowing the limitations of sampling (S1) and tables and line graphs for time series data (S2); the Higher-only row is histograms with equal and UNEQUAL class intervals and cumulative frequency graphs (S3), with box plots, quartiles and the inter-quartile range as the Higher addition to S4. The June 2024 Higher set supplies verified anchors below.
Must-know for topic 3.6:
Family Formulae centre mean $= \tfrac{\sum fx}{\sum f}$ (midpoints for grouped data); median by cumulative count; mode / modal class 众数组 spread range 极差 $= \max - \min$; interquartile range 四分位距 $= Q_3 - Q_1$ displays pie angle $= \tfrac fn \times 360^\circ$; frequency density 频率密度 $= \tfrac{\text{frequency}}{\text{class width}}$ bivariate correlation 相关性 direction + strength; estimated line of best fit; interpolate, extrapolate with care Vocabulaire EntrainerEnglish Français frequency density/ˈfriːkwənsi ˈdensɪti/ densité de fréquence range/reɪndʒ/ étendue interquartile range/ˌɪntəˈkwɔːtaɪl reɪndʒ/ interquartile modal class/ˈməʊdl klæs/ classe modale correlation/ˌkɒrɪˈleɪʃn/ corrélation 6.1
Sampling and populations
EnglishInfer properties of populations or distributions from a sample, whilst knowing the limitations of sampling (S1, additional foundation): a sample 样本 is a subset; a census covers the whole population 总体; random selection reduces selection bias but never removes sampling variability or non-response. Of a random sample of 80 students, 24 walk: proportion $\tfrac{24}{80} = 0.3$, applied to a school of 600 suggests about 180 walkers — an estimate, not a count. A convenience sample from a sports club overrepresents active students; a voluntary online poll misses non-respondents however many responses arrive. Apply statistics to describe a population (S5): state what the sample supports and what might make extrapolating unreliable. Know the terms primary data 原始数据, secondary data, discrete data and continuous data (number of siblings is discrete; travel time is continuous even when recorded to whole minutes).
Vocabulaire EntrainerEnglish Français sample/ˈsæmpl/ A subset of a population selected for observation, measurement or analysis. population/ˌpɒpjʊˈleɪʃn/ population primary data Data collected directly for the purpose of the investigation. 6.2
Tables, charts and time series
EnglishInterpret and construct tables, charts and diagrams (S2): frequency tables, bar charts, pie charts and pictograms for categorical data, vertical line charts for ungrouped discrete numerical data — and, at additional foundation, tables and line graphs for time series 时间序列 data — knowing their appropriate use, including choosing suitable statistical diagrams. A pie-chart sector angle is $\tfrac fn \times 360^\circ$: of 40 students with 10 walking, 15 bussing and 15 cycling, the angles are $90^\circ$, $135^\circ$, $135^\circ$. Time series plot in order and join point-to-point; a scatter graph never joins in observation order.
Worked example (3H June 2024 Q8, adapted). A table of six values has mean $(8 + 9 + 9 + 6 + 9 + 10) \div 6 = 8.5$; a pie chart's 162° sector is $\tfrac{162}{360} \times 100 = 45\%$. A question combining "four times the mean" with the percentage: $4 \times 8.5 + 45 = 34 + 45 = 79$.
Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Vocabulaire EntrainerEnglish Français time series/taɪm ˈsɪəriːz/ série temporelle 6.1 6.2
Histograms and cumulative frequency
EnglishHigher (S3): construct and interpret diagrams for grouped discrete and continuous data — histograms with equal and unequal class intervals and cumulative frequency 累积频率 graphs. Histogram AREA is frequency, so height (density) is frequency ÷ class width: classes $0 \le x < 10$, $10 \le x < 20$, $20 \le x < 40$ with frequencies 20, 30, 20 have densities 2, 3, 1 — the wide last bar is the shortest yet still holds 20. A cumulative-frequency graph plots each upper class boundary against the running total, starting at zero: for those classes the points are $(0,0)$, $(10,20)$, $(20,50)$, $(40,70)$; the median reads at 35, giving $10 + \tfrac{35-20}{30} \times 10 = 15$. Values within classes are interpolation estimates.
Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Vocabulaire EntrainerEnglish Français cumulative frequency/ˈkjuːmjʊlətɪv ˈfriːkwənsi/ The running total of frequencies up to a stated value or class boundary, found by adding the frequencies in order. 6.1
Averages, spread and box plots
EnglishInterpret, analyse and compare distributions of data sets from univariate empirical distributions through appropriate graphical representation and appropriate measures of central tendency — median, mean, mode and modal class — and spread: range, including consideration of outlier 异常值s (S4). From a frequency table, mean is $\tfrac{\sum fx}{\sum f}$: values 1, 2, 3 with frequencies 2, 5, 3 give $\tfrac{2 + 10 + 9}{10} = 2.1$; grouped data use midpoints, so the result is an estimate. The unusual value in 2, 4, 4, 6, 24 lifts the mean to 8 while the median stays 4.
Worked example (2H June 2024 Q13, adapted). A table of lengths: 15 values of 7.2, 18 of 7.6 and 7 of 8 give $\sum fx = 108 + 136.8 + 56 = 300.8$; mean $= 300.8 \div 40 = 7.52$ — keep the products exact (approximated $fx$ values lose the method mark).
Higher adds box plots, quartiles and the inter-quartile range: a box plot marks minimum, $Q_1$, median, $Q_3$, maximum; $IQR = Q_3 - Q_1$ describes the middle half. Compare the MEDIAN for a typical value and the IQR for consistency, in context, with units.
Worked example (2H June 2024 Q16, adapted). A box plot with shortest value 2.4 cm, lower quartile 4 cm, median 6 cm, upper quartile 7 cm and longest value 9 cm — five points, one rectangle with whiskers.
Worked example (1H June 2024 Q16, adapted). Two clubs' ages: "the swimming club's median age is lower, so its average age is lower" AND "the swimming club's inter-quartile range is higher, so its ages are less consistent" — a comparison needs BOTH an average and a spread statement.
Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. Vocabulaire EntrainerEnglish Français outlier/ˈaʊtlaɪə/ An observation unusually far from the rest of the data or from the pattern expected under a model. 6.2
Scatter graphs and correlation
EnglishUse and interpret scatter graphs of bivariate data (S6): recognise positive, negative, no, weak and strong correlation; additional foundation knows that correlation does NOT indicate causation; draw estimated lines of best fit through the middle of the pattern (balancing points, not necessarily through the origin) and make predictions; interpolate and extrapolate apparent trends whilst knowing the dangers. Study hours 1–5 against scores 44, 49, 53, 58, 61 with line $\hat y = 40 + 4.5x$: predicting at $x = 3.6$ interpolates ($\hat y = 56.2$); at $x = 10$ the line gives 85, but gains may flatten — state the observed input range with every prediction.
Original native-lesson illustration; labels belong to its worked example. 6.2
Checklist
English- Samples vs census; inference to populations with limitations stated; primary/secondary, discrete/continuous data (S1, S5).
- Frequency tables, bar/pie/pictogram, vertical line charts, time-series tables and line graphs; choosing suitable diagrams (S2; Q8 anchor).
- Histograms with equal and unequal widths (area = frequency, density = f ÷ width) and cumulative frequency graphs at boundaries (S3).
- Mean from tables with exact products; median/mode/modal class; range and outliers; box plots, quartiles, IQR; median-and-IQR comparisons (S4; Q13, Q16, 1H Q16 anchors).
- Scatter graphs: correlation types and strength; correlation is not causation; estimated best-fit lines; interpolation safe, extrapolation dangerous (S6).
Boundary notes: nothing for this topic appears on the enclosed Formulae Sheet — the mean, range, pie angle and density relationships must be known. Comparisons state an average AND a spread with context and units. Worked examples are adapted from the June 2024 Higher papers (see the meta's assessment evidence) or original.