Cambridge O Level Additional Mathematics 4037 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027.

Syllabus overview

Content overview
All candidates study the following topics:

1 Functions
2 Quadratic functions
3 Factors of polynomials
4 Equations, inequalities and graphs
5 Simultaneous equations
6 Logarithmic and exponential functions
7 Straight-line graphs
8 Coordinate geometry of the circle
9 Circular measure
10 Trigonometry
11 Permutations and combinations
12 Series
13 Vectors in two dimensions
14 Calculus

The subject content is organised by topic and is not presented in a teaching order. This content structure
allows flexibility for teachers to plan delivery in a way that is appropriate for their learners. Learners are
expected to use techniques listed in the content and apply them to solve problems with or without a calculator,
as appropriate.

This O Level syllabus shares content with other mathematics syllabuses. For further support see
the School Support Hub for IGCSE Additional Mathematics. Textbooks endorsed to support IGCSE
Additional Mathematics are suitable for use with this syllabus.

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 Cambridge O Level Additional Mathematics 4037 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027.

3 Subject content

This syllabus gives you the flexibility to design a course that will interest, challenge and engage your learners.
Where appropriate you are responsible for selecting resources and examples to support your learners’
study. These should be appropriate for the learners’ age, cultural background and learning context as well as
complying with your school policies and local legal requirements.

Knowledge of the content of Cambridge O Level Mathematics (or an equivalent syllabus) is assumed.
Cambridge O Level material which is not included in the subject content, such as surds and indices, will not be
tested directly but it may be required in response to questions on other topics.

Proofs of results will not be required unless specifically mentioned in the syllabus.

Candidates will be expected to be familiar with the scientific notation for the expression of compound units,
e.g. 5 m s–1 for 5 metres per second.

A List of formulas is provided on page 2 of the examination papers for candidates to refer to during the
examinations. Please note that not all required formulas are given; the ‘Notes and examples’ column of the
subject content will indicate where a formula is given in the examination papers and when a formula is not
given i.e. knowledge of a formula is required.

Formulas for:
• curved surface area of a cone
• surface area of a sphere
• volume of a pyramid or a cone
• volume of a sphere
• sine rule
• cosine rule
• area of a non-right-angled triangle (no diagram is given in the List of formulas)

are also given in the List of formulas to assist candidates in the examinations.

Syllabus content
1 Functions

Candidates should be able to: Notes/Examples

1.1 Understand the terms: function, domain, Includes explaining in words why a given function is
range (image set), one–one function, a function.
many–one function, inverse function and
composition of functions.

1.2 Find the domain and range of functions. Includes inverse functions and composite functions.
The domain of f may need to be restricted for
f –1 and/or gf to exist.
Domain gf ⊆ Domain f
Range gf ⊆ Range g

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 Cambridge O Level Additional Mathematics 4037 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Subject content

1 Functions (continued)

1.3 Recognise and use function notation. Examples include:

• f(x) = 2ex
• f : x ↦ lg x, for x > 0
• f –1(x)
• fg(x) [= f(g(x))]
• f 2(x) [= f(f(x))]
The notation f 2(x) will not be used with trigonometric
functions.

1.4 Understand the relationship between If f(x) is trigonometric it will be one of the following:
y = f(x) and y = |f(x)|, where f(x) may be linear,
• y = a sin bx + c
quadratic, cubic or trigonometric.
• y = a cos bx + c
• y = a tan bx + c
where a is a positive integer, b is a simple fraction
or integer, and c is an integer. Fractions will have a
denominator of 2, 3, 4, 6 or 8 only.

1.5 Explain in words why a given function does

not have an inverse.

1.6 Find the inverse of a one–one function. Correct notation must be used. For example:
• f(x) = e2x
1
• f –1(x) = ln x
2

1.7 Form and use composite functions. Understand that order of functions is important, i.e.
fg may not be the same as gf .

1.8 Use sketch graphs to show the relationship Understand that each function is the reflection of the
between a function and its inverse. other in the line y = x.

2 Quadratic functions

Candidates should be able to: Notes/Examples

2.1 Find the maximum or minimum value of the

quadratic function f : x ↦ ax2 + bx + c by
completing the square or by differentiation.

2.2 Use the maximum or minimum value of f(x) to Candidates should use correct notation to write a
sketch the graph of y = f(x) or determine the domain or range.
range for a given domain.

2.3 Know the conditions for f(x) = 0 to have: Understand how the discriminant relates to the roots
(i) two real roots of the equation.
(ii) two equal roots
(iii) no real roots
and the related conditions for a given line to:
(i) intersect a given curve
(ii) be a tangent to a given curve
(iii) not intersect a given curve.
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 Cambridge O Level Additional Mathematics 4037 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Subject content

2 Quadratic functions (continued)

2.4 Solve quadratic equations for real roots. Formula is given in the List of formulas.
Students are expected to be able to use
factorisation, the quadratic formula and completing
the square.
On the calculator paper, correct answers are
acceptable without working.

2.5 Find the solution set for quadratic inequalities Solutions should be written in the correct form. For
either graphically or algebraically. example:
• –3 < x < 4
• x < 1 or x > 6

3 Factors of polynomials

Candidates should be able to: Notes/Examples

3.1 Know and use the remainder and factor

theorems.

3.2 Find factors of polynomials. For a cubic polynomial, students are first expected
to obtain a product of a linear factor and a quadratic
factor, for example by observation or by algebraic
long division.

3.3 Solve cubic equations.

4 Equations, inequalities and graphs

Candidates should be able to: Notes/Examples

4.1 Solve equations of the type For graphical solutions, an accurate graph is
• |ax + b| = c (c ⩾ 0) expected.
• |ax + b| = cx + d For algebraic methods, any valid method is
acceptable.
• |ax + b| = |cx + d|
• |ax2 + bx + c| = d
using algebraic or graphical methods.

4.2 Solve graphically or algebraically inequalities For graphical solutions, an accurate graph is
of the type expected.
• k|ax + b| > c (c ⩾ 0) For algebraic methods, any valid method is
• k|ax + b| ⩽ c (c > 0) acceptable.
• k|ax + b| ⩽ |cx + d|
where k > 0
• |ax + b| ⩽ cx + d
• |ax2 + bx + c| > d
• |ax2 + bx + c| ⩽ d

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 Cambridge O Level Additional Mathematics 4037 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Subject content

4 Equations, inequalities and graphs (continued)

4.3 Use substitution to form and solve a quadratic For example:

equation in order to solve a related equation. 4 2
• x 3 + x 3 - 12 = 0
2(1n 5x)2 + 1n 5x – 6 = 0
• 3ex = 12 – 5e –x

Candidates are expected to identify the appropriate

substitution.

4.4 Sketch the graphs of cubic polynomials and The points of intersection of the graph with the
their moduli, when given as a product of three coordinate axes should be clearly labelled.
linear factors.

4.5 Solve graphically cubic inequalities of the form

• f(x) ⩾ d
• f(x) > d
• f(x) ⩽ d
• f(x) < d
where f(x) is a product of three linear factors
and d is a constant.

5 Simultaneous equations

Candidates should be able to: Notes/Examples

5.1 Solve simultaneous equations in two For example:

unknowns by elimination or substitution.
• y – x + 3 = 0 and x2 – 3xy + y2 + 19 = 0
• xy2 = 4 and xy = 3
x 2y
•
x = 4 and y = x – 2
+
y

6 Logarithmic and exponential functions

Candidates should be able to: Notes/Examples

6.1 Know and use simple properties and graphs Logarithms may be given to any base.
of the logarithmic and exponential functions, Understand that f(x) = ex and g(x) = 1n x are each
including ln x and ex. the inverse of the other.
Understand the asymptotic nature of the graphs
of logarithmic and exponential functions. State the
equations of any asymptotes.
Graphs are limited to y = kenx + a and
y = k ln(ax + b) where n, k, a and b are integers.
Series expansions are not required.

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 Cambridge O Level Additional Mathematics 4037 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Subject content

6 Logarithmic and exponential functions (continued)

6.2 Know and use the laws of logarithms, For example:

including change of base of logarithms.
• Write 3 + 21g p – 1g q as a single base 10
logarithm.
1
• Write as a natural logarithm.
log5 e

6.3 Solve equations of the form ax = b.

7 Straight-line graphs

Candidates should be able to: Notes/Examples

7.1 Use the equation of a straight line.

7.2 Know and use the condition for two lines to

be parallel or perpendicular.

7.3 Solve problems involving midpoint and length

of a line, including finding and using the
equation of a perpendicular bisector.

7.4 Transform given relationships to and from For example:

straight-line form, including determining
• To straight-line form
unknown constants by calculating the gradient
or intercept of the transformed graph. y = Axn
y = Abx
• From straight-line form to an equation of the form .
y2 = Ax3 + B
e2y = Ax2 + B
y3 = A1n x + B

8 Coordinate geometry of the circle

Candidates should be able to: Notes/Examples

8.1 Know and use the equation of a circle with Identify the centre and radius of a circle using a circle
radius r and centre (a, b). equation in any form.
For example:
• (x – a)2 + (y – b)2 = r2
• x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0
Formula is given in the List of formulas.

8.2 Solve problems involving the intersection of a Includes finding points of intersection.
circle and a straight line. Includes determining whether a straight line:
• is a tangent
• is a chord
• does not intersect the circle.

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 Cambridge O Level Additional Mathematics 4037 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Subject content

8 Coordinate geometry of the circle (continued)

8.3 Solve problems involving tangents to a circle. Includes finding equations of tangents.
No use of calculus is expected.

8.4 Solve problems involving the intersection of Includes finding points of intersection, finding the
two circles. equation of a common chord or determining whether
two circles:
• intersect
• touch
• do not intersect.

9 Circular measure

Candidates should be able to: Notes/Examples

9.1 Solve problems involving the arc length and Use of radian measure is expected in the solution of
sector area of a circle, including knowledge problems which may involve compound shapes.
and use of radian measure. Formulas are not given.

10 Trigonometry

Candidates should be able to: Notes/Examples

10.1 Know and use the six trigonometric functions sine, cosine, tangent, secant, cosecant, cotangent
of angles of any magnitude.

10.2 Understand and use the amplitude and For example: y = sin x and y = 3sin 2x
period of a trigonometric function, including The period may be in either degrees or radians.
the relationship between graphs of related
trigonometric functions.

10.3 Draw and use the graphs of Graphs will be drawn over a given domain which
y = a sin bx + c may be in either degrees or radians.
y = a cos bx + c For a graph of y = a tan bx + c, the x-coordinate of
any asymptote should be clearly labelled.
y = a tan bx + c
Fractions will have a denominator of 2, 3, 4, 6 or 8
where a is a positive integer, b is a simple
only.
fraction or integer, and c is an integer.

10.4 Use the relationships: Trigonometric identities are given in the List of
2 2 formulas.
• sin A + cos A = 1
• sec2 A = 1 + tan2 A
• cosec2 A = 1 + cot2 A

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 Cambridge O Level Additional Mathematics 4037 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Subject content

10 Trigonometry (continued)

10.5 Solve, for a given domain, trigonometric Includes the use of the relationships in 10.4.
equations involving the six trigonometric For example:
functions.
• 4 cot θ = tan θ
• 2 sec2 θ + tan θ – 3 = 0
i i
• 5 sin + 2 cos =0
3 3

3 cosec d2i - n=4

r
•
12

10.6 Prove trigonometric relationships involving the Includes the use of the relationships in 10.4.
six trigonometric functions. For example:
• sin x tan x + cos x = sec x
sin i 1 + cos i
• + = 2 cosec θ
1 + cos i sin i

11 Permutations and combinations

Candidates should be able to: Notes/Examples

11.1 Recognise the difference between

permutations and combinations and know
when each should be used.

11.2 Know and use the notation n! and Includes 0! = 1.

the expressions for permutations and
combinations of n items taken r at a time.

11.3 Solve problems on arrangement and selection Problems will be either in an everyday context or
using permutations or combinations. based on an algebraic problem.
Problems involving:
• repetition of objects
• objects arranged in a circle
• both permutations and combinations,
are not included.

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 Cambridge O Level Additional Mathematics 4037 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Subject content

12 Series

Candidates should be able to: Notes/Examples

12.1 Use the binomial theorem for expansion of Includes simplification of coefficients.
(a + b)n for positive integer n. Formula is given in the List of formulas.

12.2 Use the general term For example:

JN Find the term independent of x in the expansion of
KnO an–rbr, 0 ⩽ r ⩽ n .
KrO
d2x + 1 n .
10
LP
x
Knowledge of the greatest term and properties of
the coefficients is not required.

12.3 Recognise arithmetic and geometric

progressions and understand the difference
between them.

12.4 Use the formulas for the nth term and for the Problems may be in context.
sum of the first n terms to solve problems Formulas are given in the List of formulas.
involving arithmetic or geometric progressions.

12.5 Use the condition for the convergence of a Includes explaining why a particular geometric
geometric progression, and the formula for progression has or does not have a sum to infinity.
the sum to infinity of a convergent geometric Formula is given in the List of formulas.
progression.

13 Vectors in two dimensions

Candidates should be able to: Notes/Examples

13.1 Understand and use vector notation. Vectors will be given in any form including:
JaN
KK OO , AB , p, ai – bj
LbP
Candidates are expected to use correct vector
notation.

13.2 Know and use position vectors and unit For example:
vectors. a
The unit vector in the same direction as a is .
a

13.3 Find the magnitude of a vector; add and Includes:

subtract vectors and multiply vectors by
• equating like vectors
scalars.
• solving problems using vector geometry, with a
diagram given in more complex cases.

13.4 Compose and resolve velocities. Determine a resultant vector by adding two or more
vectors together.
Includes the use of a velocity vector to determine
position and solve problems in context such as
particles colliding.

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 Cambridge O Level Additional Mathematics 4037 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Subject content

14 Calculus

No formulas will be given in the List of formulas for the Calculus section.

Candidates should be able to: Notes/Examples

14.1 Understand the idea of a derived function. Only an informal understanding of the idea of a limit
is expected, and the technique of differentiation from
first principles is not required.

14.2 Use the notations

R V
dy d2 y S d JKdyNOW
f′(x), f″(x), ,
dx dx2 SS dx KdxOWW
=
T L PX
dy
δx, δx → 0, .
dx

14.3 Know and use the derivatives of the standard Includes constant multiples, sums and composite
functions xn (for any rational n), sin x, cos x, functions (use of chain rule).
tan x, ex, ln x.
For example, differentiate `3x 2 + 4j .
1
3

For trigonometric functions angles will always be in

radians.

14.4 Differentiate products and quotients of

functions.

14.5 Use differentiation to find gradients, tangents

and normals.

14.6 Use differentiation to find stationary points. Points of inflexion are not included.

14.7 Apply differentiation to connected rates of

change, small increments and approximations.

14.8 Apply differentiation to practical problems

involving maxima and minima.

14.9 Use the first and second derivative tests to Points of inflexion are not included.
discriminate between maxima and minima. Full justification of conclusions is expected.
An explanation of how to distinguish between a
maximum point and a minimum point may be
required.
Unless specified otherwise, any valid method is
allowed.

14.10 Understand integration as the reverse process Solutions for indefinite integrals should include an
of differentiation. arbitrary constant.

14.11 Integrate sums of terms in powers of x, Solutions for indefinite integrals should include an
1 1 arbitrary constant.
including and .
x ax + b

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 Cambridge O Level Additional Mathematics 4037 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Subject content

14 Calculus (continued)

14.12 Integrate functions of the form: Includes the case where n = –1.
n
• (ax + b) for any rational n For trigonometric functions angles will always be in
• sin (ax + b) radians.
• cos (ax + b) Solutions for indefinite integrals should include an
arbitrary constant.
• sec2 (ax + b)
• eax+b

14.13 Evaluate definite integrals and apply Plane areas include:

integration to the evaluation of plane areas.
• between a line and a curve
• between two curves
• a sum of two areas.

14.14 Apply differentiation and integration For example:

to kinematics problems that involve Given the velocity of a particle is v = 3t2 – 30t + 72
displacement, velocity and acceleration of a find its acceleration when t = 2.
particle moving in a straight line with variable
or constant acceleration.

14.15 Make use of the relationships in 14.14 to draw For example:

and use the following graphs: A particle moves in a straight line. Its displacement s,
• displacement–time from a fixed point at time, t, is given by s = 3t3 – 10t2
• distance–time + 4t + 8 for 0 ⩽ t ⩽ 3. Sketch its displacement–time
graph, its speed–time graph, its acceleration–time
• velocity–time
graph.
• speed–time
• acceleration–time.

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