AQA Level 2 Certificate in Further Maths (8365). For exams in May/June 2020 onwards. Version 1.

Contents
1. Introduction

2. Specification at a glance

3. Subject content

1) Number

2) Algebra

3) Coordinate Geometry (2 dimensions only)

4) Calculus

5) Matrix Transformations

6) Geometry

4. Scheme of assessment

5. General administration

6. Appendix: mathematical formulae

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 AQA Level 2 Certificate in Further Maths (8365). For exams in May/June 2020 onwards. Version 1.4

2 Specification at a glance
Subject content
1 Number
2 Algebra
3 Coordinate Geometry (2 dimensions only)
4 Calculus
5 Matrix Transformations
6 Geometry

Assessments
AQA Level 2 Certificate in Further Mathematics is linear. Students take two question papers. Both question
papers must be taken in the same series.

Paper 1: non- calculator Paper 2: calculator

What’s assessed What’s assessed

Content from any part of the specification Content from any part of the specification
may be assessed may be assessed

How it’s assessed How it’s assessed

• written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes • written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
• 80 marks • 80 marks
• Non-calculator • Calculator
• 50% of the AQA Level 2 Certificate in • 50% of the AQA Level 2 Certificate in
Further Mathematics assessment Further Mathematics assessment

Questions Questions
A mix of question styles, from short, single- A mix of question styles, from short, single-
mark questions to multi-step problems. mark questions to multi-step problems.
The mathematical demand increases as a The mathematical demand increases as a
student progresses through the paper. student progresses through the paper.

Total Qualification Time

Guided Learning Hours: 120
Total Qualification Time: 120

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3 Subject content
This qualification is designed to be taught:
• either in parallel with GCSE Mathematics
• after GCSE Mathematics

The specification content is set out in six distinct topic areas although questions will be asked that range
across these topics.

1 Number
2 Algebra
3 Coordinate Geometry (2 dimensions only)
4 Calculus
5 Matrix Transformations
6 Geometry

Within each topic area, the prescribed content is given in the left hand column. The right hand column gives
clarification, where relevant, for the topic and provides guidance notes and some examples to clarify the
scope of the prescribed content. This content section should be read in conjunction with the accompanying
Teacher Guidance document and specimen papers for the specification.

1. Number
Ref Content Notes
1.1 Knowledge and use of numbers and the number
system including fractions, decimals, percentages,
ratio, proportion and order of operations are expected

1.2 The product rule for counting Work out how many 5-digit odd numbers can be
formed using the digits 1 3 4 6 8 with no
repetition of any digit

1.3 Manipulation of surds, including The use of surds in exact calculations

rationalising the denominator
Write 200 – 72 + 3 162 in the form of a
2
3 2+4
Rationalise and simplify
5 2 −7
3 3 +7
Write the expression in the form a + b
3 3 −5
3 , where a and b are integers

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2. Algebra
Ref Content Notes
2.1 The basic processes of algebra Knowledge and use of basic skills in manipulative
algebra including use of the associative, commutative
and distributive laws, are expected

2.2 Definition of a function 2

Notation f (x) will be used, e.g. f (x) = x – 9

2.3 Domain and range of a function Domain may be expressed as, for example,
x > 2, or ‘for all x, except x = 0’ and range may be
expressed as f (x) > – 1

2.4 Composite functions The result of two or more functions, say f and g,
acting in succession. fg (x) is g followed by f

2.5 Inverse functions The inverse function of f is written f-1

Domains will be chosen for f to make f one-one

2.6 Expanding brackets and collecting like Expand and simplify

terms 2 3 2
(y – 2y + 3) (2y – 1) – 2(y – 3y + 4y – 2)

2.7 Expand (a + b)n for positive integer n Expand and simplify (5x + 2)3
Use Pascal’s triangle to work out the coefficient of x3
in the expansion of (3 + 2x)5

2.8 Factorising 2 2
Factorise fully (2x + 3) – (2x – 5)
2 2
Factorise 15x – 34xy – 16y
4 2
Factorise fully x – 25x

2.9 Manipulation of rational expressions: 5 3

Simplify −
Use of + – × ÷ for algebraic fractions with x + 2 2x − 1
denominators being numeric, linear or
quadratic x 3 + 2x 2 + x
Simplify
x2 + x
5x 2 − 14x − 3 x−3
Simplify ÷
4x − 25
2
4x 2 + 10x
2.10 Use and manipulation of formulae and 1 1 1
Rearrange f = u + v to make v the subject
expressions

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Ref Content Notes

3 2
2.11 Use of the factor theorem for rational Factorise x – 2x – 5x + 6
values of the variable for polynomials
Show that 2x – 3 is a factor of 2x3 – x2 – 7x + 6
3 2
Solve x + x – 10x + 8 = 0
Show that x – 7 is a factor of x5 – 7x4 – x + 7

2.12 Completing the square Work out the values of a, b and c such that
2 2
2x + 6x + 7 ≡ a(x + b) + c

2.13 Drawing and sketching of functions Graphs could be linear, quadratic, exponential and
restricted to no more than 3 domains
Interpretation of graphs
Exponential graphs will be of the form y = abx and
y = ab-x, where a and b are rational numbers
Sketch the graph of y = x2 – 5x + 6
Label clearly any points of the intersection with the
axes
A function f is defined as
f (x ) = x 2 0 ⩽ x < 1
= 1 1 ⩽ x < 2
= 3–x 2 ⩽ x < 3
Draw the graph of y = f(x) on the grid below for
values of x from 0 to 3
Given a sketch of y = ab-x, and two points, work out
the values of a and b

2.14 Solution of linear and quadratic Solutions of quadratics to include solution by

equations factorisation, by graph, by completing the square or
by formula
Problems will be set in a variety of contexts, which
result in the solution of linear or quadratic equations

2.15 Algebraic and graphical solution of Solve 4x – 3y = 0 and 6x + 15y = 13

simultaneous equations in two unknowns,
where the equations could both be linear Solve y = x+2 and y2 = 4x + 5
or one linear and one second order Solve y = x2 and y – 5x = 6
Solve xy = 8 and x + y = 6

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Ref Content Notes

2.16 Algebraic solution of linear equations in Solve 2x – 5y + 4z = 22
three unknowns
x + y + 2z = 4
x – y – 6z = –4

2.17 Solution of linear and quadratic Solve 5(x – 7) > 2(x + 1)

inequalities
Solve x2 < 9
Solve 2x2 + 5x ⩽ 3

2.18 Index laws, including fractional and 1 7

negative indices and the solution of Express as a single power of x x2 × x2
equations
3 7
x2 × x2
Express as a single power of x
x2
1
−
Solve x 2
=3
10
Solve x− =3 x>0
x

2.19 Algebraic proof 2 2

Prove (n + 5) – (n + 3) is divisible by 4 for any
integer value of n

2.20 Using nth terms of sequences Work out the difference between the 16th and 6th
2n
terms of the sequence with nth term
n+4

Limiting value of a sequence as n → ∞ 2n

Write down the limiting value of as n → ∞
n+4

2.21 nth terms of linear sequences A linear sequence starts 180 176 172 …
By using the nth term, work out which term has
value –1000

Work out the nth term of the linear sequence

r+s r + 3s r + 5s …
2.22 Work out the nth term of the quadratic sequence
nth terms of quadratic sequences
10 16 18 16 …
Which term has the value 0?

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3. Coordinate Geometry (2 dimensions only)

Ref Content Notes
The straight line

3.1 Know and use the definition of a gradient

3.2 Know the relationship between the gradients Show that A (0, 2), B (4, 6) and C (10, 0) form a
of parallel and perpendicular lines right-angled triangle

3.3 Use Pythagoras’ theorem to calculate the

distance between two points

3.4 Use ratio to find the coordinates of a point on Including midpoint

a line given the coordinates of two other
points.

3.5 The equation of a straight line Including interpretation of the gradient and y-
intercept from the equation
y = mx + c and y – y1 = m (x – x1)
and other forms

3.6 Draw a straight line from given information

The coordinate geometry of circles

3.7 Understand that x2 + y2 = r2 is the Including writing down the equation of a circle
equation of a circle with centre (0, 0) and given centre (0, 0) and radius
radius r The application of circle geometry facts where
appropriate: the angle in a semi-circle is 90°; the
perpendicular from the centre to a chord bisects
the chord; the angle between tangent and radius
is 90o; tangents from an external point are equal
in length.

3.8 2 2 2 Including writing down the equation of any circle

Understand that (x – a) + (y – b) = r is the
given centre and radius
equation of a circle with centre (a, b) and
radius r

3.9 The equation of a tangent at a point on a

circle

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4. Calculus
Ref Content Notes
Differentiation

4.1 dy
Know that the gradient function gives the
dx
gradient of the curve and measures the rate of
change of y with respect to x

4.2 Know that the gradient of a function is the

gradient of the tangent at that point.

4.3 n Including expressions which need to be simplified

Differentiation of kx where n is an integer,
and the sum of such functions first
dy
Given y = (3x + 2) (x – 3) work out
dx
5 dy
Given y= work out
x3 dx

4.4 The equation of a tangent and normal at any

point on a curve

4.5 Increasing and decreasing functions When the gradient is positive/negative a function
is described as an increasing/decreasing
function

4.6 d2 y d2 y
Understand and use the notation Know that measures the rate of change of
dx 2 dx 2
the gradient function

4.7 Use of differentiation to find maxima and Determine the nature either by using increasing
minima points on a curve d2 y
and decreasing functions or
dx 2

4.8 Using calculus to find maxima and minima in 81

V = 49x + x>0
simple problems x
Use calculus to show that V has a minimum
value and work out the minimum value of V

4.9 Sketch/ interpret a curve with known

maximum and minimum points

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5. Matrix transformations

Ref Content Notes

All calculations will be restricted to 2 × 2 or 2 × 1
matrices

5.1 Multiplication of matrices Multiplying a 2 × 2 matrix by a 2 × 2 matrix or by a

2 × 1 matrix
Multiplication by a scalar

5.2 The identity matrix I 2 × 2 only

5.3 Transformations of the unit square in the x – Representation by a 2 × 2 matrix

y plane
Transformations restricted to rotations of 90o,
180o or 270o about the origin, reflections in the
lines x = 0, y = 0, y = x, y = –x and
enlargements centred on the origin

5.4 Combination of transformations Using matrix multiplications

Use of i and j notation is not required

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6. Geometry
Ref Content Notes
6.1 Knowledge of perimeter and area of rectangles
and circles; and of the area of triangles,
parallelograms and trapezia; and of the surface
area and volume of prisms, cylinders, spheres,
cones and pyramids
Knowledge of angle properties of parallel and
intersecting lines, triangles, all special types of
quadrilaterals and polygons
Understand and use circle theorems:
Angle at the centre is twice the angle at the
circumference; angles in the same segment are
equal; opposite angles in cyclic quadrilateral add
up to 180°; alternate segment theorem; the
theorems listed in the notes of section 3.7

Geometric proof

6.2 Understand and construct geometrical proofs The use of theorems listed in the notes of 3.7
using formal arguments and 6.1

Trigonometry in triangles

6.3 Sine and cosine rules in scalene triangles; Knowledge and use of trigonometry to solve
1
area of a triangle = ab sinC right-angled triangles is expected
2

Pythagoras’ theorem

6.4 Use of Pythagoras’ theorem in 2D and 3D Recognise Pythagorean triples; 3, 4, 5; 5,12,13;

8,15,17; 7, 24, 25 and simple multiples of these

6.5 Be able to apply trigonometry and Including the angle between a line and a plane
Pythagoras’ theorem to 2 and 3 dimensional and the angle between two planes; including
problems triangles that do not have right angles

Ratios of angles and their graphs

6.6 Sketch and use graphs of y = sin x, y = cos x

and y = tan x for angles of any size

6.7 Be able to use the definitions sin θ, cos θ and Angles measured anticlockwise will be taken as
tan θ, for any positive angle up to positive
360°(measured in degrees only)

6.8 Knowledge and use of 30°, 60°, 90° triangles The use of the ratios 1 : 3 : 2 and 1 : 1 : 2
and 45°, 45°, 90° triangles

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Ref Content Notes

6.9 sinθ Including expressions to be simplified, proofs of
Know and use tanθ = and sin2θ + identities and equations solved
cosθ
cos2 θ = 1

6.10 Solution of simple trigonometric equations in Equations will be restricted to single angles:
given intervals
sin x = 0.5;
2 sin x = cos x for 0o ⩽ x ⩽ 360o;
1
sin2 x = for 0o ⩽ x ⩽ 360o
4

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6 Appendix: mathematical formulae

1. Students are expected to know the following formulae included in the subject content; they will not be
given in the exam.

The quadratic formula

2
The solutions of ax + bx + c = 0, where a ≠ 0

−b ± (b 2 − 4ac)
x=
2a

Perimeter, area, surface area and volume formulae

1
Area of a trapezium = ( a + b) h where a and b are the lengths of the parallel sides and h is
2
the perpendicular distance between them

Circumference of a circle = 2πr = πd

Area of a circle = πr 2 where r is the radius and d is the diameter

Volume of a prism = area of cross section × length

Curved surface area of a cylinder = 2πrh

Volume of a cylinder = πr2h where r is the radius of the base and h the height

Pythagoras’ theorem

In any right-angled triangle, where a, b and c are lengths of the sides and c is the hypotenuse:
a 2 + b2 = c2

Trigonometry formulae

In any right-angled triangle ABC where a, b and c are lengths of the sides and c is the hypotenuse:
a b a
sinA = cosA = tanA =
c c b

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In any triangle ABC where a, b and c are lengths of the sides:

a b c
Sine rule: = =
sinA sinB sinC

Cosine rule: a 2 = b 2 + c 2 − 2bc cosA

1
Area = ab sinC
2

sinθ
For any angle, θ : tanθ = and sin2θ + cos2θ = 1
cosθ

2. Students are not expected to memorise the following formulae; they will be given in the exam in the
relevant question.

Perimeter, area, surface area and volume formulae

Curved surface area of a cone = πrl

Surface area of a sphere = 4πr 2

4 3
Volume of a sphere = πr
3
1
Volume of a cone or pyramid = × area of base × h
3
where r is the radius of a sphere or the base of a cone, l is the slant height of a cone and h is the
perpendicular height of a cone or pyramid.

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