Syllabus

Cambridge O Level
Mathematics (Syllabus D) 4024
Use this syllabus for exams in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
Exams are available in the June and November series.

For centres in Mauritius

Mathematics (Syllabus D) 4029
Use this syllabus for exams in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
Exams are available in the November series.

Version 2
Please check the syllabus page at www.cambridgeinternational.org/olevel
to see if this syllabus is available in your administrative zone.
Syllabus content at a glance

3. Syllabus content at a glance

All candidates will study the following themes or topics:

Theme or topic Theme or topic

1. Number 22. Sequences
2. Set language and notation 23. Variation
3. Squares, square roots, cubes and cube roots 24. Graphs in practical situations
4. Directed numbers 25. Graphs of functions
5. Vulgar and decimal fractions and percentages 26. Function notation
6. Ordering 27. Coordinate geometry
7. Standard form 28. Geometrical terms
8. The four operations 29. Geometrical constructions
9. Estimation 30. Similarity and congruence
10. Limits of accuracy 31. Symmetry
11. Ratio, proportion, rate 32. Angles
12. Percentages 33. Loci
13. Use of an electronic calculator 34. Measures
14. Time 35. Mensuration
15. Money 36. Trigonometry
16. Personal and small business finance 37. Vectors in two dimensions
17. Algebraic representation and formulae 38. Matrices
18. Algebraic manipulation 39. Transformations
19. Indices 40. Probability
20. Solutions of equations and inequalities 41. Categorical, numerical and grouped data
21. Graphical representation of inequalities 42. Statistical diagrams

6 Cambridge O Level Mathematics (Syllabus D) 4024/4029. Syllabus for examination in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
 Assessment at a glance

4. Assessment at a glance

All candidates take two papers: Paper 1 and Paper 2.

Each paper may contain questions on any part of the syllabus and questions may assess more than one
topic.

Paper 1 2 hours
Paper 1 has approximately 25 short answer questions.
Candidates should show all working in the spaces provided on the question paper. Essential working
must be shown for full marks to be awarded.
No calculators are allowed for this paper.
80 marks
This paper will be weighted at 50% of the total qualification.

Paper 2 2 hours 30 minutes

Paper 2 has approximately 11 structured questions.
Candidates should answer all questions.
Electronic calculators may be used and candidates should have access to a calculator for this
paper.
Candidates should show all working in the spaces provided on the question paper. Essential working
must be shown for full marks to be awarded.
100 marks
This paper will be weighted at 50% of the total qualification.

Availability
4024 is examined in the June and November examination series.

4029 is examined in the November examination series.

This syllabus is available to private candidates.

Detailed timetables are available from www.cambridgeinternational.org/timetables

Cambridge O Levels are available to centres in administrative zones 3, 4 and 5.

Cambridge O Level Mathematics (Syllabus D) 4024/4029. Syllabus for examination in 2022, 2023 and 2024. 7
 Syllabus content

6. Syllabus content

Theme or topic Subject content Notes/examples

1. Number Candidates should be able to:
• identify and use natural numbers, Includes expressing numbers as a
integers (positive, negative and product of prime factors, finding the
zero), prime numbers, square Lowest Common Multiple (LCM) and
numbers, cube numbers, common Highest Common Factor (HCF) of two
factors and common multiples, or more numbers.
rational and irrational numbers
(e.g. π, 2 ), real numbers
2. Set language • use language, notation and Venn Includes using Venn diagrams to solve
and notation diagrams to describe sets and problems.
represent relationships between Notation:
sets
Number of elements in set A n(A)
Definition of sets:
“… is an element of …” ∈
e.g.
“… is not an element of …” ∉
A = {x : x is a natural number}
Complement of set A A’
B = {(x, y): y = mx + c}
The empty set ∅
C = {x : a ⩽ x ⩽ b}
Universal set
D = {a, b, c…}
A is a subset of B A⊆B
A is a proper subset of B A⊂B
A is not a subset of B A⊈B
A is not a proper subset of B A⊄B
Union of A and B A∪B
Intersection of A and B A∩B
3. Squares, square • calculate squares, square roots, Includes recall of squares and their
roots, cubes cubes and cube roots of numbers corresponding roots from 1 to 15 and
and cube roots cubes and their corresponding roots
from 1 to 10.
4. Directed • use directed numbers in practical e.g. temperature changes or flood
numbers situations levels
5. Vulgar and • use the language and notation of
decimal simple vulgar and decimal fractions
fractions and and percentages in appropriate
percentages contexts
• recognise equivalence and convert
between these forms
6. Ordering • order quantities by magnitude and
demonstrate familiarity with the
symbols =, ≠, >, <, ⩾, ⩽

Cambridge O Level Mathematics (Syllabus D) 4024/4029. Syllabus for examination in 2022, 2023 and 2024. 11
Syllabus content

Theme or topic Subject content Notes/examples

7. Standard form • use the standard form A × 10 n Convert numbers into and out of
where n is a positive or negative standard form.
integer, and 1 ⩽ A < 10 Calculate with values in standard form.
8. The four • use the four operations for
operations calculations with whole numbers,
decimals and vulgar (and mixed)
fractions, including correct ordering
of operations and use of brackets
9. Estimation • make estimates of numbers, e.g. by writing each number correct
quantities and lengths, give to one significant figure,
approximations to specified 41 . 3
estimate the value of
9 . 79 # 0 . 765
numbers of significant figures
and decimal places and round off
answers to reasonable accuracy in
the context of a given problem
10. Limits of • give appropriate upper and lower e.g. measured lengths
accuracy bounds for data given to a specified
accuracy
• obtain appropriate upper and lower e.g. the calculation of the perimeter or
bounds to solutions of simple the area of a rectangle
problems given data to a specified
accuracy
11. Ratio, • demonstrate an understanding of Divide a quantity in a given ratio.
proportion, rate ratio and proportion Direct and inverse proportion.
Use scales in practical situations.
• increase and decrease a quantity by Interpreting the ratio as
a given ratio old quantity : new quantity, e.g.
decrease $240 in the ratio 5 : 3.
• use common measures of rate e.g. hourly rate of pay or flow rates
• solve problems involving average
speed
12. Percentages • calculate a given percentage of a
quantity
• express one quantity as a
percentage of another
• calculate percentage increase or
decrease
• carry out calculations involving e.g. finding the cost price given the
reverse percentages selling price and the percentage profit
13. Use of an • use a calculator efficiently
electronic • apply appropriate checks of
calculator accuracy
• enter a range of measures including e.g. enter 2 hours 30 minutes as 2.5
‘time’ hours
• interpret the calculator display e.g. in money 4.8 means $4.80; in
appropriately time 3.25 means 3 hours 15 minutes

12 Cambridge O Level Mathematics (Syllabus D) 4024/4029. Syllabus for examination in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
 Syllabus content

Theme or topic Subject content Notes/examples

14. Time • calculate times in terms of the Includes problems involving time
24-hour and 12-hour clock zones.
• read clocks, dials and timetables
15. Money • solve problems involving money
and convert from one currency to
another
16. Personal and • use given data to solve problems Includes discount, and profit and loss
small business on personal and small business (as an amount or a percentage).
finance finance involving earnings, simple Knowledge of compound interest
interest and compound interest formula given below is required:
Value of investment = P KK1 + r OO
J Nn
L 100 P
where P is the amount invested,
r is the percentage rate of interest and
n is the number of years of compound
 interest.
• extract data from tables and charts
17. Algebraic • use letters to express generalised
representation numbers and express arithmetic
and formulae processes algebraically
• substitute numbers for words and
letters in formulae
• construct and transform formulae e.g. transform formulae where the
and equations subject appears twice or where a
power of the subject appears
e.g. construct equations from
numerical and geometrical problems.
18. Algebraic • manipulate directed numbers
manipulation • use brackets and extract common e.g. factorise 9x2 + 15xy
factors
• expand products of algebraic e.g. expand 3x(2x – 4y), (x + 4)(x – 7)
expressions
• factorise where possible
expressions of the form:
ax + bx + kay + kby
a2x2 − b2y2
a2 + 2ab + b2
ax2 + bx + c
3 ^x - 5 h 3 a 9 a
e.g. x + x 4 , 2 x -
-
• manipulate algebraic fractions , 4 #
3 2 3 2 10
3a ' 9a 1 + 2
4 10 , x - 2 x - 3

e.g. x2 - 2 x
• factorise and simplify rational 2
x - 5x + 6
expressions

Cambridge O Level Mathematics (Syllabus D) 4024/4029. Syllabus for examination in 2022, 2023 and 2024. 13
Syllabus content

Theme or topic Subject content Notes/examples

19. Indices • understand and use the rules of e.g. work out 2–3 × 24
indices 2 x ' 2 x- 2 y
e.g. simplify 3 x- 4 # 2 x , 5
1 1
2 2

3
J 5 N3
e.g. and KK2 x OO
L 3 P
1

• use and interpret positive, negative, e.g. 5 = 5

2

2
fractional and zero indices
1

e.g. evaluate 25, 4 0, 5 –2, 100 , 8-

2 3

e.g. solve 32x = 2

20. Solutions of • solve simple linear equations in one
equations and unknown
inequalities • solve fractional equations with
numerical and linear algebraic
denominators
• solve simultaneous linear equations
in two unknowns
• solve quadratic equations by Includes writing a quadratic expression
factorisation, completing the square in completed square form.
or by use of the formula
• solve simple linear inequalities
21. Graphical • represent linear inequalities Linear programming problems are not
representation graphically included.
of inequalities
22. Sequences • continue a given number sequence Includes linear sequences, quadratic
• recognise patterns in sequences and cubic sequences, exponential
and relationships between different sequences and simple combinations of
sequences these.
• generalise sequences as simple
algebraic statements Including expressions for the nth term.
23. Variation • express direct and inverse variation Includes linear, square, square root and
in algebraic terms and use this cubic variation (direct and inverse).
form of expression to find unknown e.g. y is inversely proportional to the
quantities square of x. Given that y = 2 when
x = 6, find the value of y when x = 2
24. Graphs in • interpret and use graphs in practical
practical situations including travel graphs
situations and conversion graphs
• draw graphs from given data
• apply the idea of rate of change
to easy kinematics involving
distance–time and speed–time
graphs, acceleration and
deceleration
• calculate distance travelled as area
under a linear speed–time graph

14 Cambridge O Level Mathematics (Syllabus D) 4024/4029. Syllabus for examination in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
 Syllabus content

Theme or topic Subject content Notes/examples

25. Graphs of • construct tables of values and draw
functions graphs for functions of the form axn
where a is a rational constant, and
n = –2, –1, 0, 1, 2, 3, and simple
sums of not more than three of
these and for functions of the form
kax where a is a positive integer
• interpret graphs of linear, quadratic,
cubic, reciprocal and exponential
functions
• solve associated equations
approximately by graphical
methods
• estimate gradients of curves by
drawing tangents
26. Function • use function notation,
notation e.g. f(x) = 3x – 5, f:x ⟼ 3x – 5, to
describe simple functions
• find inverse functions f–1(x)
27. Coordinate • demonstrate familiarity with
geometry Cartesian coordinates in two
dimensions
• find the gradient of a straight line
• calculate the gradient of a straight
line from the coordinates of two
points on it
• calculate the length and the
coordinates of the midpoint of a
line segment from the coordinates
of its end points
• interpret and obtain the equation
of a straight line graph in the form
y = mx + c
• determine the equation of a straight e.g. find the equation of a line
line parallel to a given line parallel to y = 4x – 1 that passes
through (0, –3)
• find the gradient of parallel and e.g. find the gradient of a line
perpendicular lines perpendicular to y = 3x + 1
e.g. find the equation of a line
perpendicular to one passing through
the coordinates (1, 3) and (–2, –9)

Cambridge O Level Mathematics (Syllabus D) 4024/4029. Syllabus for examination in 2022, 2023 and 2024. 15
Syllabus content

Theme or topic Subject content Notes/examples

28. Geometrical • use and interpret the geometrical
terms terms: point; line; plane; parallel;
perpendicular; bearing; right
angle, acute, obtuse and reflex
angles; interior and exterior angles;
similarity and congruence
• use and interpret vocabulary of Includes the following terms:
triangles, special quadrilaterals, Triangles: equilateral, isosceles
circles, polygons and simple solid and scalene (including right-angled
figures triangles).
• understand and use the terms: Quadrilaterals: square, rectangle, kite,
centre, radius, chord, diameter, rhombus, parallelogram, trapezium.
circumference, tangent, arc, sector Polygons: Regular and irregular
and segment polygons; pentagon, hexagon,
octagon, decagon.
Simple solid figures: cube, cuboid,
prism, cylinder, pyramid, cone, sphere;
face, surface, edge, vertex and net.
29. Geometrical • measure lines and angles
constructions • construct a triangle, given the three
sides, using a ruler and pair of
compasses only
• construct other simple geometrical
figures from given data, using a
ruler and protractor as necessary
• construct angle bisectors and
perpendicular bisectors using a pair
of compasses as necessary
• read and make scale drawings
• use and interpret nets
30. Similarity and • solve problems and give simple Includes showing that two triangles
congruence explanations involving similarity and are similar or showing that two
congruence triangles are congruent (using correct
• calculate lengths of similar figures congruence condition SSS, SAS, ASA,
RHS).
• use the relationships between Includes use of scale factor.
areas of similar triangles, with
corresponding results for similar
figures, and extension to volumes
and surface areas of similar solids

16 Cambridge O Level Mathematics (Syllabus D) 4024/4029. Syllabus for examination in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
 Syllabus content

Theme or topic Subject content Notes/examples

31. Symmetry • recognise rotational and line Includes properties of triangles,
symmetry (including order of quadrilaterals and circles directly
rotational symmetry) in two related to their symmetries.
dimensions
• recognise symmetry properties of
the prism (including cylinder) and
the pyramid (including cone)
• use the following symmetry
properties of circles:
(a) equal chords are equidistant
from the centre
(b) the perpendicular bisector of
a chord passes through the
centre
(c) tangents from an external point
are equal in length
32. Angles • calculate unknown angles and Candidates will be expected to use the
give simple explanations using the correct geometrical terminology when
following geometrical properties: giving reasons for answers.
(a) angles at a point
(b) angles at a point on a straight
line and intersecting straight
lines
(c) angles formed within parallel
lines
(d) angle properties of triangles Angle properties of polygons includes
and quadrilaterals angle sum.
(e) angle properties of regular and
irregular polygons
(f) angle in a semi-circle
(g) angle between tangent and
radius of a circle
(h) angle at the centre of a circle
is twice the angle at the
circumference
(i) angles in the same segment
are equal
(j) angles in opposite segments
are supplementary

Cambridge O Level Mathematics (Syllabus D) 4024/4029. Syllabus for examination in 2022, 2023 and 2024. 17
Syllabus content

Theme or topic Subject content Notes/examples

33. Loci • use the following loci and the
method of intersecting loci for sets
of points in two dimensions which
are:
(a) at a given distance from a given
point
(b) at a given distance from a given
straight line
(c) equidistant from two given
points
(d) equidistant from two given
intersecting straight lines
34. Measures • use current units of mass, length, Convert between units including units
area, volume and capacity in of area and volume.
practical situations and express e.g. between mm2 and cm2 or
quantities in terms of larger or between cm3, m3 and litres
smaller units
35. Mensuration • solve problems involving:
(a) the perimeter and area of a
rectangle and triangle
(b) the perimeter and area of a
parallelogram and a trapezium
(c) the circumference and area of a
circle
(d) arc length and sector area as
fractions of the circumference
and area of a circle
(e) the surface area and volume Formulae will be given for the surface
of a cuboid, cylinder, prism, area and volume of the sphere,
sphere, pyramid and cone pyramid and cone.
(f) the areas and volumes of
compound shapes

18 Cambridge O Level Mathematics (Syllabus D) 4024/4029. Syllabus for examination in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
 Syllabus content

Theme or topic Subject content Notes/examples

36. Trigonometry • interpret and use three-figure Measured clockwise from the north,
bearings i.e. 000°–360°.
e.g. Find the bearing of A from B if the
bearing of B from A is 125°
• apply Pythagoras’ theorem and the Angles will be quoted in, and answers
sine, cosine and tangent ratios for required in, degrees and decimals of a
acute angles to the calculation of a degree to one decimal place.
side or of an angle of a right-angled
triangle
• solve trigonometrical problems in
two dimensions involving angles of
elevation and depression
• extend sine and cosine functions to
angles between 90° and 180°
• solve problems using the sine and
cosine rules for any triangle and the
formula
area of triangle = 1 ab sin C Calculations of the angle between
2
• solve simple trigonometrical two planes or of the angle between
problems in three dimensions a straight line and plane will not be
required.

37. Vectors in two • describe a translation by using Vectors will be printed as AB or a and
dimensions a vector represented by their magnitudes denoted by modulus
JKx NO signs, e.g. AB or a .
KK OO, AB or a
y
L P
• add and subtract vectors In their answers to questions
• multiply a vector by a scalar candidates are expected to indicate a
in some definite way, e.g. by an arrow
• calculate the magnitude of a vector
JKx NO AB or by underlining as follows a.
KK OO as x2 + y2
y
L P
• represent vectors by directed line
segments
• use the sum and difference of two
vectors to express given vectors in
terms of two coplanar vectors
• use position vectors

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Syllabus content

Theme or topic Subject content Notes/examples

38. Matrices • display information in the form of a
matrix of any order
• solve problems involving the
calculation of the sum and product
(where appropriate) of two
matrices, and interpret the results
• calculate the product of a matrix
and a scalar quantity
• use the algebra of 2 × 2 matrices
including the zero and identity 2 × 2
matrices
• calculate the determinant A
and inverse A –1 of a non-singular
matrix A
39. Transformations • use the following transformations If M(a) = b and R(b) = c the notation
of the plane: reflection (M), rotation RM(a) = c will be used.
(R), translation (T), enlargement (E) Invariants under these transformations
and their combinations may be assumed.
• identify and give precise
descriptions of transformations
connecting given figures
• describe transformations using Singular matrices are excluded.
coordinates and matrices

40. Probability • calculate the probability of a single Probabilities should not be given as
event as either a fraction or a ratios.
decimal Problems could be set involving
extracting information from tables or
graphs.
• understand that the probability e.g. P(blue) = 0.8, find P(not blue)
of an event occurring = 1 – the
probability of the event not
occurring
• understand relative frequency as an e.g. use results of experiments with a
estimate of probability spinner to estimate the probability of a
given outcome
e.g. use probability to estimate from a
population

• calculate the probability of simple In possibility diagrams outcomes will

combined events using possibility be represented by points on a grid
diagrams and tree diagrams where and in tree diagrams outcomes will
appropriate be written at the end of branches
and probabilities by the side of the
branches.

20 Cambridge O Level Mathematics (Syllabus D) 4024/4029. Syllabus for examination in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
 Syllabus content

Theme or topic Subject content Notes/examples

41. Categorical, • collect, classify and tabulate
numerical and statistical data
grouped data • read, interpret and draw simple
inferences from tables and
statistical diagrams
• calculate the mean, median, mode
and range for individual and discrete
data and distinguish between the
purposes for which they are used
• calculate an estimate of the mean
for grouped and continuous data
• identify the modal class from a
grouped frequency distribution
42. Statistical • construct and interpret bar charts, For unequal intervals on histograms,
diagrams pie charts, pictograms, simple areas are proportional to frequencies
frequency distributions, frequency and the vertical axis is labelled
polygons, histograms with equal ‘Frequency density’.
and unequal intervals and scatter
diagrams
• construct and use cumulative
frequency diagrams
• estimate and interpret the
median, percentiles, quartiles and
interquartile range for cumulative
frequency diagrams
• calculate with frequency density
• understand what is meant by
positive, negative and zero
correlation with reference to a
scatter diagram
• draw a straight line of best fit by
eye.

Cambridge O Level Mathematics (Syllabus D) 4024/4029. Syllabus for examination in 2022, 2023 and 2024. 21
Mathematical notation

7. Mathematical notation

The list which follows summarises the notation used in Cambridge’s mathematics examinations. Although
primarily directed towards Advanced Level, the list also applies, where relevant, to examinations at
Cambridge O Level.

1. Set Notation
∈ is an element of
∉ is not an element of
{x1, x2,…} the set with elements x1, x2, …
{x: …} the set of all x such that …
n( A) the number of elements in set A
Ø the empty set
the universal set
A´ the complement of the set A
N the set of natural numbers, {1, 2, 3, …}
ℤ the set of integers {0, ± 1, ± 2, ± 3, …}
+
ℤ the set of positive integers {1, 2, 3, …}
ℤn the set of integers modulo n, {0, 1, 2, …, n – 1}
ℚ the set of rational numbers
+
ℚ the set of positive rational numbers, {x ∈ ℚ: x > 0}
ℚ+0 the set of positive rational numbers and zero, {x ∈ ℚ: x ⩾ 0}
ℝ the set of real numbers
+
ℝ the set of positive real numbers {x ∈ ℝ: x > 0}
R+0 the set of positive real numbers and zero {x ∈ ℝ: x ⩾ 0}
n
ℝ the real n-tuples
ℂ the set of complex numbers
⊆ is a subset of
⊂ is a proper subset of
⊈ is not a subset of
⊄ is not a proper subset of
∪ union
∩ intersection
[a, b] the closed interval {x ∈ ℝ: a ⩽ x ⩽ b}
[a, b) the interval {x ∈ ℝ: a ⩽ x < b}
(a, b] the interval {x ∈ ℝ: a < x ⩽ b}
(a, b) the open interval {x ∈ ℝ: a < x < b}
yRx y is related to x by the relation R
y ∼ x y is equivalent to x, in the context of some equivalence relation

22 Cambridge O Level Mathematics (Syllabus D) 4024/4029. Syllabus for examination in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
 Mathematical notation

2. Miscellaneous Symbols
= is equal to
≠ is not equal to
≡ is identical to or is congruent to
≈ is approximately equal to
≅ is isomorphic to
∝ is proportional to
<, << is less than, is much less than
⩽, ≯ is less than or equal to, is not greater than
>, >> is greater than, is much greater than
⩾, ≮ is greater than or equal to, is not less than
∞ infinity

3. Operations
a + b a plus b
a − b a minus b
a × b; ab; a.b a multiplied by b
a
a ÷ b; b ; a/b a divided by b
a : b the ratio of a to b
n
/ ai a1 + a2 + … + an
i=1

a the positive square root of the real number a

a the modulus of the real number a

n! n factorial for n ∈ ℕ (0! = 1)
KJKn ONO n!
K r O the binomial coefficient , for n ∈ N, 0 ⩽ r ⩽ n
L P r! ^ n − r h !
n ^n  1 h f ^n  r  1 h
the binomial coefficient r! , for n ∈ Q, r ∈ N

Cambridge O Level Mathematics (Syllabus D) 4024/4029. Syllabus for examination in 2022, 2023 and 2024. 23
Mathematical notation

4. Functions
f function f
f (x) the value of the function f at x
f : A → B 
f is a function under which each element of set A has an image
in set B
f:x⟼y the function f maps the element x to the element y
–1
f the inverse of the function f
g ° f; gf the composite function of f and g which is defined by
(g ° f )(x) or gf (x) = g(f (x))
lim f(x) the limit of f(x) as x tends to a
x→a

∆ x;δ x an increment of x
dy
dx the derivative of y with respect to x
n
dy
the nth derivative of y with respect to x
dxn
f ´(x), f ´´(x), …, f (n)(x) the first, second, …, nth derivatives of f (x) with respect to x

y y dx indefinite integral of y with respect to x

b
y y dx the definite integral of y with respect to x for values of x between a and b
a

2y
the partial derivative of y with respect to x
2x
xo , xp, f the first, second, … derivatives of x with respect to time

5. Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

e base of natural logarithms
x
e ; exp x exponential function of x
loga x logarithm to the base a of x
ln x natural logarithm of x
lg x logarithm of x to base 10

6. Circular and Hyperbolic Functions and Relations

sin, cos, tan,
cosec, sec, cot } the circular functions
sin−1, cos−1, tan−1,
cosec−1, sec−1, cot−1 } the inverse circular relations
sinh, cosh, tanh,
cosech, sech, coth } the hyperbolic functions
sinh−1, cosh−1, tanh−1,
cosech−1, sech−1, coth−1 } the inverse hyperbolic relations

24 Cambridge O Level Mathematics (Syllabus D) 4024/4029. Syllabus for examination in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
 Mathematical notation

7. Complex Numbers
i square root of –1
z a complex number, z = x + iy
a complex number, z = r (cos θ + i sin θ), r ∈ R+0
a complex number, z = reiθ, r ∈ R+0
Re z the real part of z, Re (x + iy) = x
Im z the imaginary part of z, Im (x + iy) = y
z the modulus of z, | x + iy | = ^ x2 + y2h , | r (cos θ + i sin θ)| = r
arg z the argument of z, arg(r (cos θ + i sin θ)) = θ, – π < θ ⩽ π
z* the complex conjugate of z, (x + iy)* = x – iy

8. Matrices
M a matrix M
−1
M the inverse of the square matrix M
T
M the transpose of the matrix M
det M the determinant of the square matrix M

9. Vectors
a the vector a
AB the vector represented in magnitude and direction by the directed line segment AB
â a unit vector in the direction of the vector a
i, j, k unit vectors in the directions of the cartesian coordinate axes
a the magnitude of a
AB the magnitude of AB
a . b the scalar product of a and b
a × b the vector product of a and b

Cambridge O Level Mathematics (Syllabus D) 4024/4029. Syllabus for examination in 2022, 2023 and 2024. 25
Mathematical notation

10. Probability and Statistics

A, B, C, etc. events
A ∪ B union of events A and B
A∩ B intersection of the events A and B
P(A) probability of the event A
A´ complement of the event A, the event ‘not A’
P(A|B) probability of the event A given the event B
X, Y, R, etc. random variables
x, y, r, etc. values of the random variables X, Y, R, etc.
x1, x2 , … observations
f 1, f 2 , … frequencies with which the observations x1, x2 , … occur
p(x)  the value of the probability function P(X = x) of the discrete random variable X
p1, p2 , … probabilities of the values x1, x2 , … of the discrete random variable X
f (x), g(x), … the value of the probability density function of the continuous random variable X
F(x), G(x), … the value of the (cumulative) distribution function P(X ⩽ x) of the random variable X
E(X) expectation of the random variable X
E[g(X)] expectation of g(X)
Var(X) variance of the random variable X
G(t)  the value of the probability generating function for a random variable which takes
integer values
B(n, p) binomial distribution, parameters n and p
2
N(μ,σ ) normal distribution, mean μ and variance σ 2
μ population mean
2
σ population variance
σ population standard deviation
–x sample mean
2
s unbiased estimate of population variance from a sample,
s2  n 1 1 / (x – x–)2

f probability density function of the standardised normal variable with distribution N(0, 1)
Φ corresponding cumulative distribution function
ρ linear product-moment correlation coefficient for a population
r linear product-moment correlation coefficient for a sample
Cov(X, Y) covariance of X and Y

26 Cambridge O Level Mathematics (Syllabus D) 4024/4029. Syllabus for examination in 2022, 2023 and 2024.