ICSE 2024

ANALYSIS OF PUPIL
PERFORMANCE
MATHEMATICS

Research Development and Consultancy Division

Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations
New Delhi
November 2024
____________________________________________________________________________________________

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Examinations.
Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE)

MISSION STATEMENT

The Council for the Indian School Certificate

Examinations is committed to serving the nation's
children, through high quality educational
endeavours, empowering them to contribute towards
a humane, just and pluralistic society, promoting
introspective living, by creating exciting learning
opportunities, with a commitment to excellence.

ETHOS OF CISCE

Trust and fair play.

Minimum monitoring.
Allowing schools to evolve their own niche.
Catering to the needs of the children.
Giving freedom to experiment with new ideas
and practices.
Diversity and plurality - the basic strength for
evolution of ideas.
Schools to motivate pupils towards the
cultivation of:
Excellence - The Indian and Global
experience.
Values - Spiritual and cultural - to be the bedrock
of the educational experience.
Schools to have an 'Indian Ethos', strong roots in
the national psyche and be sensitive to national
aspirations.
 FOREWORD
The National Education Policy 2020 emphasises building 21st-century skills and competencies
through systemic reforms in pedagogy and assessments. It is an endeavour of Council for Indian
School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) to ensure that assessments are utilised as tools for
promoting learning and development in students rather than a mere end to the instruction year.

With the objective to provide feedback on the common errors made by the students in the board
examinations of both ISC and ICSE and to provide information on the question-wise performance of
students, CISCE releases the Analysis of Pupils’ Performance document every year. It is one of the
unique and best practice of the CISCE board, which supports the candidates in their preparation for
the upcoming board examinations.
We would like to extend our appreciation to the Research Development and Consultancy Division
(RDCD) of the CISCE for their efforts in creating this detailed document for the benefit of our
students. We also express our gratitude to the examiners who have provided meticulous feedback on
the candidates’ performance during the examinations and also suggested pedagogical interventions
for the teachers to mitigate the common errors made by the candidates.
We are sanguine that students, teachers, and parents would make the best use of this document by
going through the various sections in detail and implementing the learnings from the same for
successful performance in the upcoming examinations.

November 2024 Dr. Joseph Emmanuel

Chief Executive & Secretary
CISCE

i
 PREFACE
As you are aware, the Analysis of Pupil Performance document has been developed by the Council
for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) with the objective to provide feedback to
teachers on the performance of students in the ICSE and ISC examinations. These subject-wise
documents highlight the misconceptions that students might have related to certain topics that are
reflected as common errors made by them while answering questions in the examinations. The
document also contains certain suggestive teaching strategies to reduce the occurrence of similar
errors in forthcoming examinations by students. The criteria used for marking each question has also
been provided in brief so that the teachers and students can comprehend the scope of the question
and the correct approach to answer it. Topics in the question paper that were found to be difficult or
unclear by the majority of the candidates have also been highlighted so that teachers can lay more
stress on bringing clarity to them, along with recommendations for candidates to attempt the
examination of a particular subject keeping in mind subject-specific nitty-gritty and techniques of
answering.
The Analysis of Pupil Performance document for ICSE for the Examination Year 2024 covers the
following 16 subjects - English Language, Literature in English, Hindi, History and Civics,
Geography, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Commercial Studies, Economics, Computer
Applications, Economic Applications, Commercial Applications, Environmental Science and Home
Science.
The 20 subjects covered in the ISC Analysis of Pupil Performance document for the Year 2024 are -
Accounts, English Language, Literature in English, Hindi, Economics, Commerce, Business Studies,
Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Elective English, History, Political Science, Geography,
Psychology, Sociology, Computer Science, Environmental Science and Home Science
I extend my appreciation and gratitude to all the ICSE and ISC examiners who have shared their
valuable comments on each question. I also acknowledge the efforts of the RDCD team of Dr. Manika
Sharma, Ms. Parul Kohli, Ms. Lyimee Saikia and Ms. Mansi Guleria, for their focused hard work
and diligence towards the preparation of this document.
We are hopeful that this document will be helpful to teachers to bring in timely interventions for the
topics required, in order to support the students in their preparation and readiness towards the
upcoming ICSE and ISC examinations. We also hope the students learn from the detailed notes on
the common errors made while answering, so as to be well-prepared with the correct answering
strategies for the upcoming ICSE and ISC examinations.

November 2024 Dr. Bhawna Taragi

Deputy Head
RDCD, CISCE

ii
 MATHEMATICS
SECTION A – 40 MARKS
(Attempt all questions from this Section.)

Question 1
Choose the correct answers to the questions from the given options. [15]

(Do not copy the questions, write the correct answers only.

(i) For an Intra-state sale, the CGST paid by a dealer to the Central government is
₹ 120. If the marked price of the article is ₹ 2000, the rate of GST is:

(a) 6%

(b) 10%

(c) 12%

(d) 16.67%

(ii) What must be subtracted from the polynomial x3 + x2 – 2x + 1, so that the result
is exactly divisible by (x – 3)?

(a) – 31

(b) – 30

(c) 30

(d) 31

(iii) The roots of the quadratic equation px2 – qx + r = 0 are real and equal if:

(a) p2 = 4qr

(b) q2 = 4pr

(c) – q2 = 4pr

(d) p2 > 4qr

(iv) 2 2 4 𝑥𝑥
If matrix 𝐴𝐴 = � � and 𝐴𝐴2 = � �, then the value of x is:
0 2 0 4
(a) 2

(b) 4

(c) 8

(d) 10

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2024 ICSE - Mathematics
(v) The median of the following observations arranged in ascending order is 64.
Find the value of x:
27, 31, 46, 52, x, x + 4, 71, 79, 85, 90
(a) 60

(b) 61

(c) 62

(d) 66

(vi) Points A (x, y), B (3, -2) and C (4, -5) are collinear. The value of y in terms of x
is∶

(a) 3x – 11

(b) 11 - 3x

(c) 3x – 7

(d) 7 – 3x
(vii) The given table shows the distance covered and the time taken by a train moving
at a uniform speed along a straight track.

Distance (in m) 60 90 y
Time (in sec) 2 x 5

The values of x and y are:

(a) x = 4, y = 150

(b) x = 3, y = 100

(c) x = 4, y = 100

(d) x = 3, y = 150

(viii) The 7th term of the given Arithmetic Progression (A.P.):

1 1 1
, � + 1� , � + 2� … is:
𝑎𝑎 𝑎𝑎 𝑎𝑎
1
(a) � + 6�
𝑎𝑎
1
(b) � + 7�
𝑎𝑎
1
(c) � + 8�
𝑎𝑎
1
(d) � + 77 �
𝑎𝑎

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2024 ICSE - Mathematics
(ix) The sum invested to purchase 15 shares of a company of nominal value ₹75
available at a discount of 20% is:

(a) ₹60

(b) ₹ 90

(c) ₹1350

(d) ₹900

(x) The circumcentre of a triangle is the point which is∶

(a) at equal distance from the three sides of the triangle.

(b) at equal distance from the three vertices of the triangle.

(c) the point of intersection of the three medians.

(d) the point of intersection of the three altitudes of the triangle.

(xi) Statement 1: sin2 𝜃𝜃 + cos2 𝜃𝜃 = 1
Statement 2: cosec 2 𝜃𝜃 + cot 2 𝜃𝜃 = 1
Which of the following is valid?

(a) only 1

(b) only 2

(c) both 1 and 2

(d) neither 1 nor 2

(xii) In the given diagram, PS and PT are the tangents to the circle. SQ || PT and
∠SPT = 80°. The value of ∠QST is:

(a) 140°

(b) 90°

(c) 80°

(d) 50°

(xiii) Assertion (A): A die is thrown once and the probability of getting an even
𝟐𝟐
number is 𝟑𝟑 .
Reason (R): The sample space for even numbers on a die is {2, 4, 6}

(a) A is true, R is false.

(b) A is false, R is true.

(c) Both A and R are true.

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2024 ICSE - Mathematics
(d) Both A and R and false.

(xiv) A rectangular sheet of paper of size 11 cm x 7 cm is first rotated about the side
11 cm and then about the side 7 cm to form a cylinder, as shown in the diagram.
The ratio of their curved surface areas is:

(a) 1∶1

(b) 7 ∶ 11

(c) 11 ∶ 7
11𝜋𝜋 7𝜋𝜋
(d) ∶
7 11
(xv) In the given diagram, ∆ABC ∼ ∆PQR. If AD and PS are bisectors of ∠BAC and
∠QPR respectively then:

(a) ∆ABC ∼ ∆PQS

(b) ∆ABD ∼ ∆PQS

(c) ∆ABD ∼ ∆PSR

(d) ∆ABC ∼ ∆PSR

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2024 ICSE - Mathematics

Comments of Examiners
(i) Most of the candidates’ concept of CGST Suggestions for teachers
being half of the total GST was not clear, − Provide regular practice with various
hence selected incorrect option (a). real-based examples on the way GST is
However, to find the rate of GST, some divided equally between the Central
candidates arrived at total GST as ₹120 Government (CGST) and the State
Government (SGST) to avoid errors in
instead of ₹240. future.
(ii) A large number of candidates while reading − Instruct students to read the question
the question missed out reading ‘what must carefully and understand the question to
be subtracted’. The remainder obtained on identify the correct option.
− Encourage students that it would be
dividing the polynomial by (x – 3) was 31, better if the number added to or
hence value to be subtracted is 31 and not subtracted from is taken as ‘K’(any
–31. Hence, an incorrect value was attained constant) and then solve for ‘K’ to
as –31. minimise the errors.
− Give sufficient practice of nature and
(iii) Many candidates made errors in identifying
condition of roots of a quadratic
the condition that discriminant of a equation to avoid basic errors.
quadratic equation is b2 - 4ac = 0 for real − Clarify the misconception of square of
and equal roots, thus opted for option (a). (- q) is (q2) and not (- q2) among
students.
The ones who made errors in squaring a
− Ensure students’ concept of Matrix
negative integer or transposing, opted for multiplication is clear by providing
option (c). regular practice of Matrix product AxB
(iv) Almost all the candidates were unable to and AxA following the same method of
identify matrix product A2. Instead of multiplying row x column.
− Train students to find mean, median
finding the product A2= AxA, some mode of (a) non-grouped non frequency
candidates squared each of the elements of distribution (b) non-grouped frequency
matrix A. distribution (c) grouped frequency
(v) A number of candidates found the value of distribution. Encourage students to
identify the odd and even number of
x correctly. However, some candidates data in the given distribution.
equated x + 4 to 64 and arrived at the value − Provide repeated practice on different
of x as option (a). Due to errors in conditions related to slopes, such as
calculation, other candidates selected collinearity, parallelism, and
perpendicularity, to ensure that students
incorrect option (b). do not make conceptual errors.
(vi) Many candidates were confused about the − Encourage students to do practice of
concept of collinearity of 3 points and were logic-based questions.
unable to apply the condition that slopes of − Stress on student’s competency in
understanding the question and
AB, BC and AC are equal. Some
encourage to apply relation that holds in
candidates went wrong in simplifying the the A.P. that is, the relation between the
equation formed and hence arrived at the given terms.
answer ‘c’. − Make clear concepts of shares at par,
premium and discount.
(vii) Majority of the candidates answered the
− Teach students to differentiate between
question correctly using the property of circumcentre, incentre, centroid and the
ratio and proportion. Some candidates orthocentre.
without proportionality applied guess work
and arrived at an incorrect response. Some
candidates opted for option (c) as they
applied incorrect logic for proportionality.
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2024 ICSE - Mathematics
(viii) Candidates made errors for not being able
to apply logical thinking in the pattern of
𝟏𝟏 𝟏𝟏 𝟏𝟏
Suggestions for teachers
the A.P. ,� + 𝟏𝟏� , � + 𝟐𝟐� … as a result
𝒂𝒂 𝒂𝒂 𝒂𝒂 − Familarise students with actual
𝟏𝟏
mentioned the answer as �𝒂𝒂 + 𝟕𝟕� for the 7th constructions by creating visual impact.
− Give practice of standard trigonometric
term. Some candidates were confused as
identities with related problems to build
they inserted incorrect formula for Tn, thus conceptual clarity.
opted option (c). − Regular practice of application-based
(ix) Most candidates arrived at the correct problems with all properties related to
answer to this question. Some candidates circle, theorems and geometry to be
given.
gave the answer as option (a) instead of − Explain the basic concepts and
option (d) that was price for only one share terminology related to probability
and not 15 shares. Due to error in questions.
calculation, some candidates selected − Guide students to write sample space
while solving problems on probability.
option (b).
− Provide more practice of Assertion-
(x) Many candidates were not familiar with the Reason based questions.
concept of a circumcentre being the point − Explain the concept of curved surface
equidistant from the three vertices of a area of cylinder by means of folding
paper lengthwise and breadthwise. With
triangle. However, other candidates who
hands on activity, students can apply the
opted for the option (a) reflected their formula without memorising. While
misconception between circumcentre and introducing formulas, they may be
incentre. taught the two-dimensional
representation of a three – dimensional
(xi) Several candidates answered it correctly.
figure.
However, some candidates were not − Give sufficient practice of different
familiar with the trigonometric types of triangles with different given
identity 𝒄𝒄𝒄𝒄𝒄𝒄𝒄𝒄𝒄𝒄 𝜽𝜽 − 𝒄𝒄𝒄𝒄𝒄𝒄 𝜽𝜽 = 𝟏𝟏 and hence
𝟐𝟐 𝟐𝟐 necessary conditions, proportionality of
chose the incorrect option (c) as their sides and angles of similar triangles.
response.
(xii) Some candidates were not able to use the
property that tangents PS and PT drawn from external point P are equal in length, hence failed
to identify ∆PST as an isosceles triangle. Hence, the answer was incorrect. Few candidates
chose option (b) mistaking QS as the diameter. However, few other candidates selected option
(c) due to misconception of ∠ QST and ∠ SPT being alternate angles.
(xiii) Almost all the candidates opted for the (c) as they were unable to apply concept of sample
space in probability. However, some candidates were confused about the total sample space
and sample space of even numbers, hence were unable to arrive at the correct option.
(xiv) A large number of candidates were unable to analyse the figures provided in the question. Some
candidates were confused with the formula of surface area of cylinder with change in radius
and height and few other candidates used incorrect formulas.
(xv) Many candidates selected the incorrect option (a) or (d), as they failed to analyse the
[AA axioms] of similarity and to identify similar triangles based on their corresponding equal
angles. Some candidates were unable to identify from the given conditions that ∆ABD ∼ ∆PQS.

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2024 ICSE - Mathematics

MARKING SCHEME
Question 1
(i) (c) 12%
(ii) (d) 31
(iii) (b) q2 = 4pr
(iv) (c) 8
(v) (c) 62
(vi) (d) 7 – 3x
(vii) (d) x = 3, y = 150
(viii) 1
(a) � + 6�
𝑎𝑎
(ix) (d) ₹900
(x) (b) at equal distance from the three vertices of the triangle.
(xi) (a) only 1
(xii) (d) 50°
(xiii) (b) A is false, R is true.
(xiv) (a) 1∶1
(xv) (b) ∆ABD ∼ ∆PQS

Question 2
(i) 𝑥𝑥 0 4 0 4 0 [4]
𝐴𝐴 = � � , 𝐵𝐵 = � � 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝐶𝐶 = � �
1 1 𝑦𝑦 1 𝑥𝑥 1
Find the values of x and y, if AB = C.
(ii) A solid metallic cylinder is cut into two identical halves along its height (as shown in [4]
the diagram). The diameter of the cylinder is 7 cm and the height is 10 cm. Find:
(a) The total surface area (both the halves).
(b) The total cost of painting the two halves at the rate of ₹ 30 per cm2
𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐
�𝑼𝑼𝑼𝑼𝑼𝑼 𝝅𝝅 = 𝟕𝟕
�

(iii) 15, 30, 60, 120… are in G.P. (Geometric Progression). [4]

(a) Find the nth term of this G.P. in terms of n.

(b) How many terms of the above G.P. will give the sum 945?

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 2024 ICSE - Mathematics

Comments of Examiners
(i) Majority of the candidates made an error
in finding the matrix product AB, and
Suggestions for teachers
hence arrived at the value of x and y. Thus, − Rigorous practice of matrix
the candidates mentioned 4y=1 and the multiplication to be provided.
incorrect value of y=1/4 arrived at the end. − Emphasize showing the detailed steps
(ii) (a) Many candidates failed to identify the of matrix multiplication and sharing
formation of two new surfaces on them in a systematic way to avoid
calculation errors and ensure the
dividing the cylinder into two equal
correct answer.
halves. Some candidates found the
− Clarify to students that the total
total surface area of the cylinder using surface area refers to the sum of the
2πr(r+h). Some candidates could not areas of all the surfaces. More
apply higher order thinking and did not practice is needed to find the volume
include the flat rectangular surfaces in of a solid and the area of all its
their calculation. Hence, got an surfaces.
incorrect result as 297cm2. However, − Ensure that adequate practice of
some candidates found the total different kinds of combination of
surface area of only one of the halves shapes problems is given and tested
for the cylinder and many other in examination. Train students to
candidates took the radius of the identify the shapes given, then mark
cylinder as 7. carefully what is asked (surface area
or volume), then substitute in correct
(b) As the candidates could not find the
formula first and do calculation.
total surface area correctly and found − Give more practice of problems based
the incorrect cost of painting into the on mensuration.
two halves. − Teach students about cross section of
(iii) (a) Some candidates applied incorrect figures and explain the concepts of
formula for finding the nth term of the surfaces they arrive at.
given G.P. Many candidates − Revise basics of indices.
mentioned 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏 × 𝟐𝟐 𝒏𝒏−𝟏𝟏
= 𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑 .
𝒏𝒏−𝟏𝟏
− Give more practice for accurate
(b) Some candidates used an incorrect substitution in correct formula of G.P.
summation formula for G.P. and hence − Practice solving problems on the nth
term and the summation of the nth
arrived at an incorrect answer. Some
term in A.P. and G.P. repeatedly to
candidates equated the nth term of G.P. help overcome any misconceptions.
to 945 instead of the summation − Share in detail the concept of
formula. A number of candidates also exponents thoroughly.
had confusion of formula for A.P. and
G.P. Instead of arriving at 63=2n-1, the
candidates mentioned 63=2n-1.

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2024 ICSE - Mathematics

MARKING SCHEME
Question 2
(i) AB = C
𝑥𝑥0 4 0 4 0
� �� �=� �
1 1 𝑦𝑦 1 𝑥𝑥 1
4𝑥𝑥 0 4 0
� �=� �
4 + 𝑦𝑦 1 𝑥𝑥 1
OR
∴ 4𝑥𝑥 = 4 4 + 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑥𝑥

𝑥𝑥 = 1 𝑦𝑦 = 1 − 4
𝑦𝑦 = −3
(ii) 22 22
(𝑎𝑎) 2 × × 3.5 × 10 + 2 × × 3.52 + 2 × 7 × 10
7 7
22 or
= 2× × 3.5(10 + 3.5) + 140
7

= 22 × 13.5 + 140

= 297 + 140

= 437 𝑐𝑐𝑚𝑚2

(b) Cost = 437 × 30 = ₹13110

(iii) 15, 30, 60, 120…

(a) 𝑇𝑇𝑛𝑛 = 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑛𝑛−1 = 15 × 2𝑛𝑛−1

(b) 𝑆𝑆𝑛𝑛 = 945

𝑎𝑎(𝑟𝑟 𝑛𝑛 − 1)
945 =
𝑟𝑟 − 1
15(2𝑛𝑛 − 1)
945 =
2−1

63 = 2𝑛𝑛 − 1

64 = 2𝑛𝑛

2𝑛𝑛 = 26

𝑛𝑛 = 6

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2024 ICSE - Mathematics

Question 3
(i) Factorize: 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠3 𝜃𝜃 + 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 3 𝜃𝜃 [4]
Hence, prove the following identity:
𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠3 𝜃𝜃 + cos 3 𝜃𝜃
+ sin 𝜃𝜃𝜃𝜃𝜃𝜃𝜃𝜃𝜃𝜃 = 1
sin 𝜃𝜃 + cos 𝜃𝜃
(ii) In the given diagram, O is the centre of the circle. PR and PT are two tangents drawn [4]
from the external point P and touching the circle at Q and S respectively. MN is a
diameter of the circle. Given ∠PQM = 42o and ∠PSM = 25o.

Find:

(a) ∠OQM

(b) ∠QNS

(c) ∠QOS

(d) ∠QMS

(iii) Use graph sheet for this question. Take 2 cm = 1 unit along the axes. [5]
(a) Plot A(0, 3), B(2, 1) and C(4, -1).

(b) Reflect point B and C in y-axis and name their images as B' and C' respectively.
Plot and write coordinates of the points B' and C'.

(c) Reflect point A in the line BB' and name its images as A'.

(d) Plot and write coordinates of point A'.

(e) Join the points ABA'B' and give the geometrical name of the closed figure so
formed.

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2024 ICSE - Mathematics

Comments of Examiners
(i) The question was application based and Suggestions for teachers
many candidates failed to apply the – Encourage students to apply
algebraic identity 𝒂𝒂𝟑𝟑 + 𝒃𝒃𝟑𝟑 = (𝒂𝒂 + algebraic identities or factorization in
𝒃𝒃)(𝒂𝒂𝟐𝟐 − 𝒂𝒂𝒂𝒂 + 𝒃𝒃𝟐𝟐 ) to factorise 𝒔𝒔𝒔𝒔𝒔𝒔𝟑𝟑 𝜽𝜽 + trigonometry.
𝒄𝒄𝒄𝒄𝒄𝒄𝟑𝟑 𝜽𝜽. Some candidates tried to prove the – Make students understand that to
solve trigonometric identities, it is
identity by taking sin 𝜃𝜃 + cos 𝜃𝜃as the LCM
essential to know both algebraic
but made errors in simplifying the identities, algebraic factorization, and
expression. basic trigonometric identities.
(ii) (a) Some candidates failed to apply the – Teach students the different ways of
concept that angle made by a tangent proving a particular trigonometric
radius equal to 90o, hence arrived at the identity.
incorrect value of ∠OQM. – Make students thorough with all
(b) Many candidates were unable to apply the tangent properties by proving the
alternate segment Theorem to find theorem and give sufficient practice
∠QNM=42o, ∠SNM = 25o and hence of the property with different types of
value of ∠QNS was incorrect. sums.
– Ask students to provide reasons for
(c) As value of ∠QNS was incorrect, the
supporting all answers along with the
value of ∠QOS also arrived wrongly working answers.
which is twice ∠QNS. – Demonstrate in class by proving
(d) Majority of candidates did not use the alternate segment theorem to make
property that ∠QMS + ∠QNS = 180o by students clear about the property so
cyclic property. Some candidates went that they apply the theorem in solving
wrong due to incorrect value of ∠QNS in problems related to it.
part (b). – Insist students on rationalising the
(iii) (a) Some candidates did not read the question correct reasons for arriving at the
right answer.
carefully and hence chose an incorrect
– Sufficient practice to be provided of
scale and some interchanged the positive
sums based on all circle properties.
and negative axis. Some plotted points A
– Give sufficient practice on problems
(0, 3), B(2, 1) and C (4, -1) incorrectly. involving more than one circle
Many candidates did not mention the theorem to reduce errors.
coordinates of A, B and C on the graph. – Teach students apply different circle
(b) Some candidates plotted the images B' and properties in finding unknown angles
C' correctly but did not write down the by using given data of a given
coordinates. There were candidates who problem.
reflected B and C on the x-axis instead of – Provide reasons to all geometry
y-axis. problems.
(c) Many candidates reflected A on x-axis – Advise students to read the question
instead of BB', hence plotting of A' was carefully so as not to go wrong with
incorrect. Hence, a number of candidates the scale.
arrived at A1 as (0,-3) instead of A1 as – Stress must be given to select the
(0,-1) . positive and negative part of the axis.
(d) As candidates reflected A on x-axis instead – Give practice of plotting points for
reflection to avoid such errors.
of BB' found image A' as (0, -3) instead of
– Read the question carefully and learn
(0, -1).
to write the coordinates of all points
(e) A large number of candidates answered even if they are not asked. This
this sub-part of the question incorrectly. prevents students missing out
Due to incorrect plotting of points, some answers of coordinates that are asked
candidates had incorrect figure ABA'B'. in the question.
Other candidates named the figure as a
Rhombus or a quadrilateral instead of a
Square. Since the mirror line was wrong,
11
2024 ICSE - Mathematics
the candidates ended up getting the figure
as kite. However, other candidates ended Suggestions for teachers
up with a square instead of a rhombus.
– More practice to be provided in
drawing the correct coordinate axes,
plotting the correct co-ordinate points
and also reflecting the same.
– Advise students to name the figure
formed according to their special
property.

MARKING SCHEME
Question 3
(i) 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠3 𝜃𝜃 + 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 3 𝜃𝜃 = (𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 + 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐)(𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠2 𝜃𝜃 − 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 + 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 2 𝜃𝜃)

= (𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 + 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐)(1 − 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠)

L.H.S. 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠2 𝜃𝜃 + 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 2 𝜃𝜃 = 1

𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠3 𝜃𝜃 + 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 3 𝜃𝜃
+ 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠
𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 + 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐
(𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 + 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐)(1 − 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠)
= + 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠
𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 + 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐

= 1 − 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 + 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠

= 1 = R.H.S.

(ii) (a) ∠OQM = 90o – 42o = 48o (∵OQ is ⊥r to QP, tangent)

(b) ∠QNM = ∠PQM = 42o

∠SNM = ∠PSM = 25o

∴ ∠QNS = 42o + 25o = 67o

(c) ∠QOS = 2∠QNS=2 × 67o = 134o

(d) ∠QMS = 180o – ∠QNS = 180o – 67o

= 113o

(iii) (a) Plotting A(0, 3), B(2, 1), C(4, –1)

(b) Reflection of B, C to B′(–2, 1), C′(–4, –1) (y-axis)

(c) Reflection of A(0, 3) on B B′  A′(0, –1)

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2024 ICSE - Mathematics
(d) A′(0, –1)

(e) Square

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2024 ICSE - Mathematics

SECTION B – 40 MARKS
(Attempt any four questions from this Section.)

Question 4
(i) Suresh has a recurring deposit account in a bank. He deposits ₹2000 per month and the [3]
bank pays interest at the rate of 8% per annum. If he gets ₹1040 as interest at the time
of maturity, find in years total time for which the account was held.

(ii) The following table gives the duration of movies in minutes. [3]
Duration
(in 100 – 110 110 – 120 120 – 130 130 – 140 140 – 150 150 – 160
minutes)
No. of 5 10 17 8 6 4
movies
Using step – deviation method, find the mean duration of the movies.
(iii) (𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏)3 64 [4]
𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼 =
(𝑎𝑎 − 𝑏𝑏)3 27
𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏
(a) Find
𝑎𝑎 − 𝑏𝑏
(b) Hence using properties of proportion, find a : b.

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2024 ICSE - Mathematics

Comments of Examiners
(i) Majority of the candidates attempted this
Suggestions for teachers
question incorrectly. Few candidates used
incorrect formula to find interest for recurring − Providing more practice on sums
related to recurring deposit accounts,
deposit account. Some candidates made especially in finding time, would
calculation error in forming and solving the reduce such errors.
quadratic equation 𝒏𝒏𝟐𝟐 + 𝒏𝒏 − 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏 = 𝟎𝟎, other − Read the question carefully so as to
candidates wrote the final answer as 12 give the final answer in the right form.
− Explain to students that the interest on
months instead of 1 year as per the question. maturity is calculated monthly and not
However, some candidates took ₹1040 as yearly.
M.V. and calculated using M.V. formula − Advise students to choose the assumed
thereby ending up with an incorrect answer. mean from one of the class -mark and
not any random number and reduce the
(ii) A large number of candidates did not apply
chances of calculation errors.
the step - deviation method as given in the − Encourage students to find class
question to calculate the Mean of the interval by finding the difference
distribution. Some candidates did not choose between the upper- class and lower-
the assumed mean from one of the class - class boundary of any particular
interval.
mark, instead took one of the frequency or any − Encourage students to use all three
other random number. This made calculation methods to find mean when practicing.
complicated. Some candidates took the class Emphasise that the mean, answer must
interval as 5 instead of 10. Calculations errors not be left as fraction.
– Focus on the sum and analyse the basic
were also observed. steps to be followed.
(iii) (a) Candidates made error in finding the cube – Emphasise to students to use properties
root of
𝟔𝟔𝟔𝟔
and hence, failed to solve the of proportion instead of the cross-
𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐 multiplication method and did not use.
sum. Instead of 4/3, the answer arrived – Encourage students to express the final
was 8/3. Some candidates were unable to answer in ratio form.
𝒂𝒂+𝒃𝒃 – Help students to read the question
proceed to find . Few candidates used
𝒂𝒂−𝒃𝒃 carefully and first analyse what has
the cross-multiplication method and did been asked to find and what are the
not use properties of proportion and forgot steps to be followed.
to express the answer in ratio form. – With regular practice of problems
based on ratio and proportion, they
(b) Some candidates did not apply could minimise such errors.
componendo and dividendo to find, a: b – Instruct students to avoid cross-
instead cross – multiplied to find the multiplication while solving problems
solution. Other candidates solved the sum on ratio and proportion and use
correctly but mentioned the final answer properties of proportion.
𝒂𝒂 𝟕𝟕
in the form 𝒃𝒃 = 𝟏𝟏 instead of a: b = 7:1,
hence lost marks.

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2024 ICSE - Mathematics

MARKING SCHEME
Question 4
(i) P = ₹ 2000, r = 8%, Interest = ₹1040, time = n months

2000 × 𝑛𝑛(𝑛𝑛 + 1) × 8
∴ (1040 =)
100 × 2 × 12

52 × 3 = 𝑛𝑛(𝑛𝑛 + 1)

∴ 𝑛𝑛2 + 𝑛𝑛 − 156 = 0

(𝑛𝑛 + 13)(𝑛𝑛 − 12) = 0

∴ n =12 months or n = 1 year

(ii) Duration (in No. of x t=

𝑋𝑋−𝐴𝐴 ft
𝑖𝑖
min) movies
100 – 110 5 105 –3 –15
110 – 120 10 115 –2 –20
120 – 130 17 125 –1 –17
130 – 140 8 135 0 0
140 – 150 6 145 1 6
150 – 160 4 155 2 8
Σf = 50 OR Σft= – 38

Σ𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓
𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀 = 𝐴𝐴 + × 𝑖𝑖
Σ𝑓𝑓
– 38
= 135 + × 10
50
= 135 – 7.60
= 127.40 mins.
(iii) (𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏)3 64
(𝑎𝑎) =
(𝑎𝑎 − 𝑏𝑏)3 27
(𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏)3 43
=
(𝑎𝑎 − 𝑏𝑏)3 33
𝑎𝑎+𝑏𝑏 4
∴ 𝑎𝑎−𝑏𝑏
=3
𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏 + 𝑎𝑎 − 𝑏𝑏 4 + 3
(𝑏𝑏) =
𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏 − 𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏 4 − 3
2𝑎𝑎 7
∴ =
2𝑏𝑏 1
∴ a : b = 7: 1

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2024 ICSE - Mathematics

Question 5
(i) The given graph with a histogram represents the number of plants of different heights [5]
grown in a school campus. Study the graph carefully and answer the following
questions:

(a) Make a frequency table with respect to the class boundaries and their
corresponding frequencies.

(b) State the modal class.

(c) Identify and note down the mode of the distribution.

(d) Find the number of plants whose height range is between 80 cm to 90 cm.
(ii) The angle of elevation of the top of a 100 m high tree from two points A and B on the [5]
opposite side of the tree are 52o and 45o respectively. Find the distance AB, to the
nearest metre.

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2024 ICSE - Mathematics

Comments of Examiners
(i) (a) This question was based on analysing Suggestions for teachers
graphical representation of Histogram.
Many candidates did it correctly. Some – Providing more practice with different
problems based on analyzing graphs
candidates were unable to form the
would help minimize errors.
frequency table, and some went wrong in
– Explain the meaning of a frequency
listing the frequency and others distribution table for a grouped discrete
mentioned the frequency of the class data set and grouped continuous data
80 – 90 as 2.5 instead of 3. that contain class-interval as well as
(b) Some candidates mentioned the modal corresponding frequencies.
class as 64 which is the mode instead of – Make students clear about the
60 - 70. difference between mode and modal
(c) Some candidates mentioned the mode as class.
60 –70 instead of 64. The candidates were – Offer necessary practice based on class
confused between mode and modal class. intervals, frequency and mode to avoid
Few candidates wrote the answer as 12 such confusion related to mode and
instead of 64, which is the frequency of modal class.
the modal class. – Give practice of problems based on
reading values from a given graph.
(d) Most candidates provided the right
answer. Some candidates in part ‘a’ – Provide sufficient practice of problems
on Heights and Distances involving
identified the frequency for class interval both standard and non-standard angles.
80-90 as 2.5 instead of 3, hence provided – Teach students to adopt easy methods
the answer to this part as 2.5. of working for simplifications.
(ii) Most of the candidates made the following – Share with students not to avoid
mistakes in their responses: intermediate rounding off that must be
• Some candidates used incorrect ratio, for done at the right at the end of a sum
100 when giving the final answer that must
example, tan 52° = instead of 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 .
be as per the question.
• Using mathematical tables to find value of – Provide sufficient practice of such
tan 52o. Some candidates rounded off the sums involving rounding off the final
value of tan 52o while reading from the answer.
table. Many candidates took the value as – Give mathematical tables for Board
1.28 or 1.27. Examination and apply them to
• Other candidates did not adopt the shorter practice in school.
method of writing, instead substituted tan
52o as 1.2799 in the denominator which led
to long calculation and hence made errors
in the process.
• A large number of candidates made a mistake in rounding off the answer to the nearest metre.

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2024 ICSE - Mathematics

MARKING SCHEME
Question 5
(i) (a)

Ht. in cm 30 – 40 40 – 50 50 – 60 60 – 70 70 – 80 80 – 90 90 – 100

Number
4 2 8 12 6 3 4
of plants
(b) 60 – 70
(c) Mode = 64
(d) 3
(ii) (𝑎𝑎) ∠𝐵𝐵 = 450

∴ 𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶 = 𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶 = 100 𝑚𝑚, 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡45° = 1

𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷 100
𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡52° = 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 = = 100𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐52°
𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡52°

∴ 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 = 100 × 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡38𝑜𝑜 = 100 × 0.7813 = 78.13/78 tan52o = 1.2799

tan38o = 0.7813
∴ 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 = 100 + 78.13 = 178.13 = 178 𝑚𝑚 sin52o = 0.7880
cosec52o =
1.2690
(any one)

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2024 ICSE - Mathematics

Question 6
(i) Solve the following quadratic equation for x and give your answer correct to three [3]
significant figures: 𝟐𝟐𝒙𝒙𝟐𝟐 – 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏 + 𝟓𝟓 = 𝟎𝟎
(Use mathematical tables if necessary)

(ii) The nth term of an Arithmetic Progression (A.P.) is given by the relation [3]
Tn = 6(7 – n). Find∶

(a) its first term and common difference

(b) sum of its first 25 terms

(iii) In the given diagram ∆ADB and ∆ACB are two right angled triangles with [4]
∠ADB = ∠BCA = 90o. If AB = 10 cm, AD = 6 cm, BC = 2.4 cm and DP = 4.5 cm

(a) Prove that ∆APD ∼ ∆BPC

(b) Find the length of BD and PB

(c) Hence, find the length of PA

(d) Find area ∆APD : area ∆BPC

20
2024 ICSE - Mathematics

Comments of Examiners
(i) In solving the quadratic equation 2x² – 10x + 5 Suggestions for teachers
= 0, some candidates took √𝟔𝟔𝟔𝟔 = 7.75 instead
– Train students to use mathematical
of the correct values √𝟔𝟔𝟔𝟔 =7.746. However, tables to find square root of irrational
other candidates used incorrect formula to numbers.
solve the quadratic equation, some other – Give practice of rounding off answers
candidates made sign errors in substitution. A as per the question. Encourage
few candidates made calculation errors, and students to do all rounding off right
many failed to round off the answers to three after completely solving the sum.
significant figures. There were candidates who – Provide more practice of solving
tried to find the √60 or √15 by division method quadratic equation using formula to
instead of using the Mathematical Tables avoid the errors made by the students.
which made working much simpler. There – Make students understand the
significance of knowing the nth term
were errors in finding square root by division
of an A.P. which would help them in
method. Many candidates made calculation finding any term of the series by
errors while simplifying the expression. A large replacing n with the term to be found.
number of candidates made an error in – Give repeated practice with sums
rounding off the answer to 3 significant figures. where general term is given for A.P.
(ii) (a) Many candidates failed to substitute n = 1; or G.P. and certain terms are to be
n = 2 in the Tn formula. hence, they got found.
wrong values of ‘a’ and ‘d’ respectively. – Provide sufficient practice of sums
They do not have knowledge of finding related to summation of A.P. to avoid
terms when Tn is given in terms of n for an errors.
A.P. – Give regular practice with emphasis
(b) The incorrect summation formula for the on calculations with due importance
A.P. was used. Some candidates used the Tn on use of brackets and follow
formula instead of Sn formula for BODMAS rules.
summation of 25 terms of the A.P. Due to – Give more practice to prove triangles
with different given data.
incorrect substitution in summation
– Train students to name angles using
formula of A.P. or error in calculation.
all three letters. e.g. ∠ APD = ∠BPC
Many candidates got S25 = 900 instead of and not as ∠ P=∠ P.
– 900. Some candidates got the summation – Encourage students to read while
answer incorrect due to error in value of solving a geometry problem of the
first term and common difference in part given data carefully.
(a). – Explain the concept of writing
(iii) (a) Some candidates were unable to prove proportional sides in similarity and
∆APD ∼ ∆BPC. Many candidates could then use it to find the unknown sides
prove the triangles similar using AA test. given in the question.
However, some candidates mentioned – Give in depth-practice on similarity
∠ P = ∠ P and gave the reason as common and getting the proportionality of
angle instead of vertically opposite angles. corresponding sides and angles etc.
along with similarity with proper
(b) Many candidates failed to identify that
reasoning.
∆ADB is a right-angled triangle and length
of BD = 8 could have been easily found by
using Pythagoras Theorem and PB by subtracting PD from BD i.e. 8 – 4.5 = 3.5 cm. Several
candidates were found making errors in writing the proportional sides and thereby getting
wrong value of BD. Simple calculation errors were observed in finding the value of BD &
PB.

21
2024 ICSE - Mathematics
(c) As per the given data length of PA could be found by two different ways. Some candidates
managed to apply for them, but some were unable to proceed. Many candidates did not read
and comprehend the meaning and importance of the word "Hence " and reached different
answers. However, credit to candidates were given whichever way they had proceeded to
solve the problem.
(d) Some candidates could not apply that area ∆APD: area ∆BPC is equal to ratio of the square
of the corresponding sides. However, other candidates were unable to get a proper value of
(b) and (c) but credit was given for this part.

MARKING SCHEME
Question 6
(i) 2𝑥𝑥 2 − 10𝑥𝑥 + 5 = 0
−𝑏𝑏 ± √𝑏𝑏 2 − 4𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎
𝑥𝑥 = , 𝑎𝑎 = 2, 𝑏𝑏 = −10, 𝑐𝑐 = 5
2𝑎𝑎
−(−10) ± �(−10)2 − 4 × 2 × 5 10 ± √100 − 40
𝑥𝑥 = =
2×2 4

10 ± √60 10 ± 7.746 17.746 2.254 √60 = 7.746

𝑥𝑥 = = = ,
4 4 4 4 √15 = 3.873
∴ 𝑥𝑥 = 4.436, 0.5635
𝑥𝑥 = 4.44, 0.564

(ii) (a) Tn = 6(7 – n)

∴ T1 = 6(7 – 1) = 36
T2 = 6(7 – 2) = 30
∴ 1st term = 36 and common difference = –6
𝑛𝑛
(𝑏𝑏) 𝑆𝑆𝑛𝑛 = [2𝑎𝑎 + (𝑛𝑛 − 1)𝑑𝑑]
2
25
∴ 𝑆𝑆25 = [2 × 36 + (25 − 1)(−6)]
2
= 25(72 − 144)
25
= × (−72) = −900
2
∴ 𝑆𝑆25 = – 900
(iii) (a) In ∆APD and ∆BPC
∠𝐷𝐷 = ∠𝐶𝐶 = 90° (𝑔𝑔𝑔𝑔𝑔𝑔𝑔𝑔𝑔𝑔)
∠𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 = ∠𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 (vertically opposite angles)
∴ ∆𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 ~ ∆𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 {𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴)
(𝑏𝑏) 𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 = √102 − 62 = √64 = 8 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 OR 7.5
∴ 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 = 8 − 4.5 = 3.5 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐
𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 6 6 × 3.5 35
(𝑐𝑐) = , = 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 = = = 8.75 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐
𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 3.5 2.4 2.4 4

22
2024 ICSE - Mathematics
∆𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 62 6
36 × 10025
(𝑑𝑑) = =
∆𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 2.42 424 × 244

∴ ∆𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 ∶ ∆𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 = 25 ∶ 4

Question 7
(i) In the given diagram, an isosceles ∆ABC is inscribed in a circle with centre O. [3]
PQ is a tangent to the circle at C. OM is perpendicular to chord AC and ∠COM =
65°.

Find:

(a) ∠ABC

(b) ∠BAC

(c) ∠BCQ

(ii) Solve the following inequation, write down the solution set and represent it on the [3]
real number line.
7𝑥𝑥
−3 + 𝑥𝑥 ≤ + 2 < 8 + 2𝑥𝑥, 𝑥𝑥 𝜖𝜖 𝐼𝐼
2

(iii) In the given diagram, ABC is a triangle, where B(4,– 4) and C(– 4, – 2). D is a point [4]
on AC.

(a) Write down the

coordinates of A and D.

(b) Find the coordinates of

the centroid of ∆ABC.

(c) If D divides AC in the

ratio k : 1, find the
value of k.

(d) Find the equation of the

line BD.

23
2024 ICSE - Mathematics

Comments of Examiners
(i) (a) Majority of the candidates made errors due Suggestions for teachers
to lack of understanding related to the
property of a circle that angle at the centre – Give sufficient practice of sums with
reasons based on circle while solving
is twice angle in the remaining the problems.
𝟏𝟏
circumference i.e., ∠𝑨𝑨𝑨𝑨𝑨𝑨 = 𝟐𝟐 ∠𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪. – Encourage students to identify the
Some candidates arrived at the answer ∠ properties of circle and other
ABC = 130° as they were confused with the geometrical properties and apply
them, wherever necessary with
angle property and used ∠ABC = 2 ∠COA.
reasons supporting the answers.
(b) Several candidates did not apply that base
– Persuade students to find unknown
angles of an isosceles triangle are equal. angles by different methods, using
Hence, did not arrived at the answer different properties. Give practice
∠BAC = 50°. Majority of the candidates for naming the angles.
were unable to identify that the angle could – Lay stress in the alternate segment
have been found by using alternate segment theorem while solving sums on circle
theorem. with supporting reasons.
(c) Many candidates did not give reasons – Encourage students to find the angles
supporting their answer. However, some by different methods using different
candidates were unable to apply the properties.
alternate segment theorem, hence made – Repeatedly remind students about
mistake in finding ∠BCQ = ∠BAC = 50°. basic concepts related to inequation
so that they do not lose marks.
(ii) A number of candidates made errors in solving
– Teach students to write the solution
the two inequalities, especially in transposing x
set for 𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑁𝑁 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑊𝑊 in roster form
terms on one side and the constants on the to avoid errors while representing on
other. However, some candidates made errors the number line.
with signs while transposing like terms in the – Encourage students that only when
two inequalities, resulting in x ≤ – 2 instead of x∈R solution set is written in the set
the correct x ≥ – 2. Many candidates included builder form, representation on the
4 in the solution set even though x < 4. Some number line for x∈ W, N, I must be
candidates did not write the solution set or with dots and for x∈R by shading.
wrote incorrect solution set. Many made errors – Make students clear about the
in representing the solution on the number line. concept that a point on the x – axis
When representing the solution on the number has the y coordinate as 0 and for a
line, few candidates overlooked one or more of point on the y – axis has the x
the following: coordinate as 0.
• arrows not shown on the number line. – Advise students to write the
coordinates within the first bracket.
• failed to mark at least one extra integer
– Give sufficient practice of application
before –2 and after 4.
of section and mid-point formula
(iii) (a) Few candidates wrote the coordinates as would prevent such errors.
A (6, 0), D (0, -3) instead of A (0, 6), D (– More practice is necessary in forming
3, 0). equations of a line using the given
(b) The concept of centroid was not clear to conditions.
some candidates, hence coordinate of the – Instruct students to write the linear
centroid was incorrect. Some candidates equation found without any fractional
wrote the answer as coefficient.
𝟎𝟎 𝟎𝟎
�𝟑𝟑 , 𝟑𝟑� instead of (0, 0) and other
candidates arrived at the correct answer but instead of writing it in coordinate form, they
mentioned x=0 and y=0.
(c) Due to incorrect application of section formula, candidates arrived at the wrong value for k.
Some candidates arrived at the value of k as -3 instead of 3 due to calculation error.

24
2024 ICSE - Mathematics
(d) Many candidates left the equation of BD with coefficients of x and y in fractions form. Some
𝟒𝟒 −4
candidates found the slope as 𝟕𝟕 instead of 7 , hence got the wrong equation.

MARKING SCHEME
Question 7
(i) (𝑎𝑎) ∴ ∠𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀 = ∠𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀 = 65°

1 1 1
∠𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 = ∠𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶 = × (65° + 65°) = × 130° = 65°
2 2 2

(𝑏𝑏) ∠𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 = 180° − (65° + 65°)

= 50°

(𝑐𝑐) ∠𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 = ∠𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 = 50°

(ii) −3 + 𝑥𝑥 ≤
7𝑥𝑥
+ 2 < 8 + 2𝑥𝑥, 𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥
2 (at least reason)
7𝑥𝑥 7x/2+2<8+2x
−3 + 𝑥𝑥 ≤ +2
2 7x/2-2x<8-2
7𝑥𝑥
− 𝑥𝑥 ≥ −3 − 2 3x/2<6
2
5𝑥𝑥 ∴x<4
≥ −5
2
𝑥𝑥 ≥– 2
Soln.: {–2, –1, 0, 1, 2, 3}

(iii)

(a) A(0, 6), D(–3, 0)

(b) Centroid of triangle: A(0, 6), B(4, –4), C(–4, –2)

0+4−4 6−4−2
� , � = (0, 0)
3 3
−4𝑘𝑘 + 1 × 0
(c) = −3 ∴ −4𝑘𝑘 = −3𝑘𝑘 − 3
𝑘𝑘 + 1
−𝑘𝑘 = −3 ∴ 𝑘𝑘 = 3
−4 − 0 −4
(d) 𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵: =
4+3 7
−4
𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸. : 𝑦𝑦 − 0 = (𝑥𝑥 + 3) (Alternate Segment)
7

7𝑦𝑦 = −4𝑥𝑥 − 12 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 4𝑥𝑥 + 7𝑦𝑦 + 12 = 0

25
2024 ICSE - Mathematics

Question 8
(i) The polynomial 3x3 + 8x2 – 15x + k has (x – 1) as a factor. Find the value of k. Hence [3]
factorize the resulting polynomial completely.

(ii) The following letters A, D, M, N, O, S, U, Y of the English alphabet are written on [3]
separate cards and put in a box. The cards are well shuffled and one card is drawn at
random. What is the probability that the card drawn is a letter of the word,

(a) MONDAY?

(b) which does not appear in MONDAY?

(c) which appears both in SUNDAY and MONDAY?

(iii) Oil is stored in a spherical vessel occupying 3/4 of its full capacity. Radius of this [4]
spherical vessel is 28 cm. This oil is then poured into a cylindrical vessel with a
radius of 21 cm. Find the height of the oil in the cylindrical vessel (correct to the
nearest cm).
𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐
𝑻𝑻𝑻𝑻𝑻𝑻𝑻𝑻 𝝅𝝅 =
𝟕𝟕

26
2024 ICSE - Mathematics

Comments of Examiners
(i) Candidates substituted x = 1 correctly but due Suggestions for teachers
to incorrect calculation found K = - 4 instead – Provide practice of problems based
of 4. Some candidates could not factorise on remainder and factor theorem.
further and skipped the remaining part of the – Advise students to write the final
question after finding the value of ‘k’. Others answer as the product of the three
made mistake in dividing by factors.
3𝑥𝑥 3 + 8𝑥𝑥 2 − 15𝑥𝑥 + 4 = 0 by 𝑥𝑥 − 1. – Give more practice for algebraic
Some candidates did not write the final division of a polynomial.
answer as the product of the three factors, – Share the details of the concept of
(𝑥𝑥 + 4)(3𝑥𝑥 − 1)(𝑥𝑥 − 1) probability with different types of
(ii) (a) Most candidates attempted this question problems, showing all the steps of
correctly. Some candidates lost the mark the working.
for leaving the answer as 6/8 or directly – Insist on finding the sample space for
each part of the question to avoid any
writing 3/4. error and express answers in the
(b) In most cases, answer to finding the lowest term with all necessary
probability was correct but some lost the working details.
mark for leaving the answer as 2/8 or – Instruct students to write the
directly writing 1/4. Some candidates probability and simplify the answer,
made mistakes in writing the favorable wherever applicable.
outcomes {S, U}, hence did not arrive at – Insist that the students mention the
the answer ¼. sample space and the favorable
(c) Many candidates wrote the probability as, outcomes.
𝟖𝟖 𝟒𝟒 𝟏𝟏
– Concept of ‘and’, ‘or’ must be
𝟖𝟖
= 𝟏𝟏 𝐢𝐢𝐢𝐢𝐢𝐢𝐢𝐢𝐢𝐢𝐢𝐢𝐢𝐢 𝐨𝐨𝐨𝐨
𝟖𝟖
=
𝟐𝟐
drilled.
– Students must be advised to read the
(iii)A number of candidates applied incorrect question carefully and understand
formula for volume of sphere and cylinder. and apply the given conditions.
Some candidates did not use the given – Explain to students that the volume
of oil remains same even when it is
condition volume of oil in cylinder is 3/4 th transferred from a spherical
the volume of cylinder. Another common container to a cylindrical one. Hence,
error made by the candidates was not the volumes are to be equated to
rounding off the final answer to the nearest solve the sum and not to waste time
unnecessarily calculating volumes
cm. Many candidates did not round off 49.7 to separately and then dividing them.
50 to express the answer to the nearest cm. – Give consistent practice of
Mensuration formula and rounding
of answers.
– Ensure that sums involving
combinations of solids are solved by
taking π and other common terms
out, then simplifying to save time
and avoid calculation errors.
– Make clear to use only the given
value of π for easy and simple
calculations.

27
2024 ICSE - Mathematics

MARKING SCHEME
Question 8
(i) 3𝑥𝑥 3 + 8𝑥𝑥 2 − 15𝑥𝑥 + 𝑘𝑘
3 × 13 + 8 × 12 − 15 × 1 + 𝑘𝑘 = 0 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 3 + 8 − 15 + 𝑘𝑘 = 0
∴ 𝑘𝑘 = 4
𝑥𝑥 − 1 3𝑥𝑥 3 + 8𝑥𝑥 2 − 15𝑥𝑥 + 4 3𝑥𝑥 2 + 11𝑥𝑥 − 4
3𝑥𝑥 3 − 3𝑥𝑥 2
(–) (+)

11𝑥𝑥 2 − 15𝑥𝑥
11𝑥𝑥 2 − 11𝑥𝑥
(–) (+)

−4𝑥𝑥 + 4
−4𝑥𝑥 + 4
(–) (–)
X
3𝑥𝑥 2 + 11𝑥𝑥 − 4
= 3𝑥𝑥 2 + 12𝑥𝑥 − 𝑥𝑥 − 4
= 3𝑥𝑥(𝑥𝑥 + 4) − 1(𝑥𝑥 + 4)
= (𝑥𝑥 + 4)(3𝑥𝑥 − 1)
3𝑥𝑥 3 + 8𝑥𝑥 2 − 15𝑥𝑥 + 𝑘𝑘 = (𝑥𝑥 + 4)(3𝑥𝑥 − 1)(𝑥𝑥 − 1)

(ii) Total number of letters are 8.

6 3
(𝑎𝑎) = {𝑀𝑀, 𝑂𝑂, 𝑁𝑁, 𝐷𝐷, 𝐴𝐴, 𝑌𝑌}
8 4
2 1
(𝑏𝑏) {𝑆𝑆, 𝑈𝑈}, =
8 4
4 1
(𝑐𝑐) {𝑁𝑁, 𝐷𝐷, 𝐴𝐴, 𝑌𝑌} =
8 2
(iii) Radius of Sphere = 28 cm
4
𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉. 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 = × 𝜋𝜋 × 283
3
3
𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉. 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 =
𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑡𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑒 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒.
4
22 3 4 22
∴ × 212 × ℎ = × × × 283
7 4 3 7
283 28 × 28 × 28 4 × 4 × 28 448
ℎ= 2= = = = 49.7 = 50 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐
21 21 × 21 3×3 9

28
2024 ICSE - Mathematics

Question 9
(i) The figure shows a circle of radius 9 cm with O as the centre. The diameter AB [3]
produced meets the tangent PQ at P. If PA = 24 cm, find the length of tangent PQ.

(ii) Mr. Gupta invested ₹33000 in buying ₹100 shares of a company at 10% premium. [3]
The dividend declared by the company is 12%. Find:

(a) the number of shares purchased by him.

(b) his annual dividend.

(iii) A life insurance agent found the following data for distribution of ages of 100 policy [4]
holders:

Age in years Policy Holders Cumulative frequency

(frequency)
20 – 25 2 2
25 – 30 4 6
30 – 35 12 18
35 – 40 20 38
40 – 45 28 66
45 – 50 22 88
50 – 55 8 96
55 – 60 4 100

On a graph sheet draw an ogive using the given data. Take 2 cm = 5 years along one
axis and 2 cm = 10 policy holders along the other axis. Use your graph to find:

(a) The median age.

(b) Number of policy holders whose age is above 52 years.

29
2024 ICSE - Mathematics

Comments of Examiners
(i) Most of the candidates made errors in this
question. The sum could be done by two Suggestions for teachers
methods. Either using the tangent secant − More practice of sums on circles to
property PQ2 = PA × PB or by applying be given with reasons provided with
Pythagoras theorem. Some candidates were not supporting the answers.
able to identify either of them. Some candidates − Explain the theorem on tangent
2 2
used PQ =PO x PB or PQ = AB x BP. Few property and its application
candidates subtracted radius 9 cm from PA=24 especially how to identify the
cm instead of subtracting the diameter AB=18 segments PA and PB.
cm. Hence, these candidates arrived at the − Read questions on shares and
dividend carefully to avoid such
incorrect response. errors.
(ii) (a) Some candidates did not find M.V of the − Give practice of sums involving
shares which was 10% above the N.V. terms like at premium or discount, or
Hence, received the number of shares as at par, below par, above par need.
330 instead of 300. Some candidates were − More practice of sums based on
not familiar with the term ‘premium.’ shares and dividend must be
(b) Candidates whose number of shares was provided.
330 instead of 300 arrived at the incorrect − Stress must be given on the
answer for dividend. following points while drawing the
(iii) (a) The candidates made errors related to ogive and finding values from the
constructing an ogive: graph.
• Many candidates drew the ogive with • Ogive is plotted with respect to
upper class boundaries and
respect to lower boundaries or class
corresponding cumulative
mark and corresponding cumulative frequency.
frequency instead of upper-class • To choose the correct scale and
boundaries. axis as given in the question.
• The plotted points were joined with • Not to use ruler to join the plotted
ruler instead of making a free hand points. Free hand curve to be
curve. drawn.
• Some candidates did not use kink on • Use of kink when interval does
the x- axis for demarcation of 0 and not start from the origin.
the starting interval 20. • Drop perpendiculars to find
• Scale as given in the question was not median, quartiles etc. from ogive.
used. − Make students understand the
importance of drawing the indicating
• Got incorrect value of median due to
lines to read the values from the
error in graph. graph.
• Some plotted histograms instead of − Supervise while students are initially
ogive. learning to construct an ogive and
• Did not drop perpendicular lines to get recording different values from the
the readings from the graph. graph.
(b) Due to an error in drawing the ogive, the
answer for number of policy holders was
incorrect. Some candidates did not drop the perpendicular lines to locate the values.

30
2024 ICSE - Mathematics

MARKING SCHEME
Question 9
(i) PQ2 = PA × PB (secant and tangent meeting externally)
PQ2 = 24 × (24 – 18)
= 24 × 6 = 144
∴ PQ = 12 cm
Alt: OP=15cm
PQ = √152 − 92
PQ = 12
(ii) Investment ₹33000, M.V. of each share = 100 + 10 = ₹110
Rate of dividend = 12%
(a) 33000 ÷ 110 = 300 shares
12
(b) Dividend = 300 × 100 × 100 = ₹3600

(iii) OGIVE:

(a) Median = 42 ± 2

(b) Policy holders whose age is above 52 years

= 100 – 90 = 9 ± 1

31
2024 ICSE - Mathematics

Question 10
(i) Rohan bought the following eatables for his friends : [3]

Soham Sweet Mart : Bill

S. No. Item Price Quantity Rate of GST
1 Laddu ₹500 per kg 2 kg 5%
2 Pastries ₹ 100 per piece 12 pieces 18%

Calculate :
(a) Total GST paid.

(b) Total bill amount including GST.

(ii) (a) If the lines kx – y + 4 = 0 and 2y = 6x + 7 are perpendicular to each other, find [3]
the value of k.

(b) Find the equation of a line parallel to 2y = 6x + 7 and passing through (–1, 1)

(iii) Use ruler and compass to answer this question. Construct ∠ABC = 90o, where [4]
AB = 6 cm, BC = 8 cm.

(a) Construct the locus of points equidistant from B and C.

(b) Construct the locus of points equidistant from A and B.

(c) Mark the point which satisfies both the conditions (a) and (b) as O. Construct
the locus of points keeping a fixed distance OA from the fixed point O.

(d) Construct the locus of points which are equidistant from BA and BC.

32
2024 ICSE - Mathematics

Comments of Examiners
(i) (a) A large number of candidates answered Suggestions for teachers
this question incorrectly. In this, some
candidates calculated 5% GST on ₹500 − Encourage students to read the
instead of ₹1000, resulting in incorrect question carefully before answering
it.
GST. Similarly, a few candidates
− Clearly define the definition of GST
calculated 18% GST on ₹100 instead of and explain the process of finding
₹1200, resulting in incorrect GST. Hence, total GST and total bill.
the answer of total GST was incorrect. − Lay stress on accuracy in calculation.
Some calculated individual GST of the two − Carefully follow all the given
items but not the total GST. conditions of the problem.
(b) Candidates did not find the total price and − Train students to show working for
the total GST. Hence, the total bill amount calculating all the parts and giving
including GST was incorrect. specific answer for the question
(ii) (a) The slope of the two lines, kx – y + 4 = 0 asked.
and 2y = 6x + 7 was incorrect. For − Teach students to differentiate
perpendicular condition of two slopes between the parallel and
instead of using the product equal to – 1 perpendicular condition between
took the slopes equal or equated to 1. slopes of two lines.
Found value of k=3 or 1/3 instead of k = − Share with students to get the given
equations to their standard forms, y =
mx + c so that it is easy to identify
their slopes.
(b) Majority of the candidates attempted this − Guide students to write the equation
question in an incorrect manner. Some in the form ax + by + c =0 where a, b
candidates calculated the incorrect slope of and c are integers.
parallel lines and arrived at the wrong − Give more practice related to the
equation. While writing the equation of the construction of triangles with
parallel line, some candidates provided the different given data.
answer with fractional coefficient. − Provide more practice for
(iii)(a) Most candidates constructed the locus of constructing 90° using ruler and
points equidistant from B and C as the compass.
perpendicular bisector of BC correctly. − Give more practice to students of
Some candidates made mistakes in Locus constructions with the
different given conditions.
constructing triangle ABC. Few candidates
− Supervise students for all
could not construct ∠ABC = 900.
constructions.
(b) Perpendicular bisector of AB mostly − Clearly show all traces of
constructed correctly. construction.
(c) Many candidates were unable to identify
that the locus is a circle having centre O
and radius OA.
(d) Some candidates did not bisect ∠ABC to find the locus of points which are equidistant from
BA and BC.

33
2024 ICSE - Mathematics

MARKING SCHEME
Question 10
(i) 5 18
(𝑎𝑎) 𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺 = 500 × 2 × + 100 × 12 ×
100 100
= 50 + 216 = ₹266
(𝑏𝑏) 𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 = 500 × 2 + 100 × 12 + 266
= 1000 + 1200 + 266
= ₹2466
(ii) 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 − 𝑦𝑦 + 4 ⊥𝑟𝑟 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 2𝑦𝑦 = 6𝑥𝑥 + 7
Slopes are k and 3
−1
3k = –1 ∴k= 3

Slope of parallel line = 3

∴ eqn y – 1 = 3(x + 1)
3x – y + 4 = 0
(iii) Construction
(a) Construction of 90o and perpendicular bisector of BC.
(b) Perpendicular bisector of AB
(c) Circle with O as centre and OA as radius
(d) Bisector of ∠ABC

34
2024 ICSE - Mathematics

GENERAL COMMENTS
Topics found difficult by candidates

1. Question 1 (i): SGST, CGST, GST

2. Question 1 (ii): Dividing Polynomial by Binomial
3. Question 1(x): Concept Of Circum-Centre
4. Question 1 (v): Using Specified Method for Finding Mean
5. Question 2 (i): Square of a Matrix
6. Question 3 (iii) (b): Reflecting a Point in a line other than the Co-Ordinate Axes.
7. Question 3 (iii) (e): Naming the Geometric Figure Properly.
8. Question 4 (i): Maturity Value & Interest Formula.
9. Question 4 (iii): Finding Ratio of Sides and Area After proving Triangles similar.
10. Question 5: Solving Heights and Distances Sum Involving Non-Standard Angles.
11. Question 6 (i): Solving Quadratic Equation
12. Question 6 (ii): Tn And Sn of A.P. & G.P.
13. Question 7(i): Using Properties of Circles
14. Question 7 (ii): Plotting Accurately on Number Line as Per the Replacement Set
15. Question 8 (ii): Concept of and & or in Probability
16. Question 8 (iii): Mensuration Formulae for Split Shapes
17. Question 9 (ii): Premium Price of Shares
18. Question 10 (ii): Finding Equation of a Line.
19. Question 10 (c): Locus of A point Moving at a fixed Distance from a fixed point.

Concepts in which candidates got confused

1. SGST, CGST, GST

2. Maturity Value & Interest Formula
3. Premium Price and Market Price of Shares
4. Set of Real Numbers and Set of Integers/Whole Numbers/Natural Numbers.
5. Tn And Sn of A.P. & G.P.
6. Reflecting in X = 2 And X-Axes.
7. Mid-Point Formula and Centroid Formula.
8. Finding other Components after proving Triangles similar.
9. Mensuration Formulae for Curved Surface Area, Total Surface Area, Volume
10. Step Deviation Method and Short-Cut Method.
11. Application of Algebraic Identities in Trigonometric Identities.
12. Rounding Off answers

35
2024 ICSE - Mathematics

Suggestions for candidates

• Complete approximations extensively, including: significant figures, rounding off to a certain

decimal place, or to the nearest whole number.
• Use mathematical tables to find square roots.
• Employ various methods for solving problems.
• Pay special attention to drawing graphs and using the correct scale.
• Ensure students provide reasons when solving geometry problems.
• Focus on coordinate geometry: section formula, slopes, and the equation of a line.
• Apply algebraic identities in solving trigonometric identities.
• Practice calculating the mean using all methods.
• Learn the norms for plotting on a number line.
• Remember to provide answers in rupees, rounded to two decimal places (in case the answer
is in decimal form).
• Make all arcs visible in construction-related questions.
• Use the reading time to make the right choice of questions and ensure you are thorough with
the given data.
• Regularly practice competency-focused questions, specimen papers, and previous years' board
papers. Focus more on practicing rounding off numbers.
• Ensure you choose the correct scale when drawing graphs, and take special care when marking
the axes and plotting points.
• Use mathematical tables to find square roots and non-standard angles in trigonometry.
• Show all steps of working, including rough work, on the same answer sheet.
• Provide reasons while solving geometry problems.
• Exhibit all traces of constructions; it is not necessary to show the steps of constructions.
• Specify the solution to inequalities in set form.
• Provide probability answers in simplified form.
• When naming a figure formed by reflection, use the appropriate geometric name for the figure.
• Read all questions carefully and thoroughly, with special attention to multiple-choice
questions. Evaluate all options before answering.
• Use graph paper for graph-related questions and follow the scale provided in the question.
• Revise all topics regularly. Learn all the mensuration formulas, algebraic identities, and other
formulas required for the syllabus.
• Use the last 15 minutes to review all calculations.

36