Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics 0580: Command words

Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics (0580) uses fewer command words than essay-based subjects, but understanding them is still important. Mathematics mark schemes emphasise method marks—you can earn credit for correct working even if your final answer is wrong. Showing your working is essential.

Command words in Mathematics 0580

Command word	What to do	Common mistake
Calculate / Work out	Show working; give numerical answer	No working; wrong answer gets no method marks
Show that	Prove the given result; show all steps	Stating the answer without proof
Find	Obtain the answer; show working	Guess or no working
Write down	Short answer; may not need working	Including unnecessary working
State	Give the value; brief	Long explanation
Solve	Find the value(s) that satisfy the equation	No working; wrong solution
Simplify	Express in simplest form	Incomplete simplification
Factorise	Write as product of factors	Wrong factors
Expand	Remove brackets	Wrong expansion
Draw	Accurate construction or graph	Sketch when accurate draw required
Sketch	Rough graph; key features	Too detailed or wrong shape
Plot	Mark points on graph; may need line	Wrong scale or points
Estimate	Rough value; approximation	Exact calculation when estimate asked
Give your answer to	Round to specified (e.g. 2 decimal places)	Wrong rounding
Explain	Give mathematical reason	Description without “because”

Critical: Method marks (M) and Answer marks (A)

• M marks—awarded for correct method; can be earned even if final answer wrong.
• A marks—awarded for correct answer; often depend on prior M marks.
• B marks—awarded for correct answer independent of method.
• Show your working—without it, you cannot earn method marks.

What examiners reward

Working

• Every step visible—examiners cannot guess your method.
• Correct substitution into formulae.
• Correct rearrangement before substitution.
• Units when required (e.g. cm², m/s).

Accuracy

• Rounding—follow instructions (e.g. “2 decimal places”, “3 significant figures”).
• Final answer—must be clearly shown.
• Answer space—use it; don’t leave steps on the question page only.

Presentation

• Clear layout—numbered steps help.
• Crossed-out work—examiners may mark it if no replacement.
• Graphs—labelled axes; suitable scale; accurate plotting.

Common mistakes from examiner reports

• No working—candidates give answers only; lose method marks when wrong.
• Wrong formula—e.g. area of circle = 2πr instead of πr².
• Units—missing or wrong (e.g. cm instead of cm²).
• Rounding—too early in calculation; wrong final rounding.
• “Show that”—candidates verify instead of prove (working backwards can be acceptable if correct).
• Algebra—sign errors; incomplete factorisation.
• Read the question—e.g. “nearest cm” vs “nearest m”.

Tips for Mathematics 0580

1. Show working for every calculation—method marks save you.
2. Check the question—units, rounding, “give your answer to…”.
3. Use the correct formula—learn them; check the formula sheet.
4. Draw diagrams accurately when asked.
5. Estimate when asked—don’t spend time on exact calculation.
6. Past papers + mark schemes show how method marks are allocated.

How Tutopiya helps

Tutopiya supports Mathematics 0580 with tutors who emphasise working and method marks. Explore IGCSE resources or book a free trial.

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Based on Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics 0580 syllabus and mark schemes. Check the latest syllabus for your exam series.