Pearson Edexcel · International A Level · WFM01/WFM02
Further Mathematics — Keywords & Key Terms — Definitions Glossary (2026)
Pearson Edexcel International A Level Further Mathematics
Topic-by-topic keywords, key terms and definitions for precise exam language—separate from our revision checklists (topic coverage) and formula sheets (equations).
Keywords & Key Terms — definitions
Examiner-style keywords and definitions organised by syllabus topic. Terms are tagged Essential (start here), Core (typical exam standard), and Advanced for harder distinctions — tick each row when you can recall it. Your progress is saved in this browser for this list.
Pearson Edexcel International A Level Further Mathematics (WFM01/WFM02)
Pearson Edexcel International A Level Further Mathematics (WFM01/WFM02)
Pearson Edexcel International A Level Further Mathematics
Pearson International A Level Further Mathematics (WFM series) builds on core A Level Mathematics with Further Pure, Further Mechanics, and Further Statistics units assessed under the 2026 International Advanced Level specification.
Mark schemes: Pearson IAL examiners reward linked reasoning across each derivation with correct units, exact-form answers, and consistent notation (e.g. i for complex numbers, bold for vectors, SI units in mechanics).
Active recall: 0 / 22 terms ticked
| Recalled | Topic | Level | Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core Pure | Core | Complex number & Argand diagram | A number a + bi plotted on the Argand diagram with real and imaginary axes. | |
| Core Pure | Core | Modulus-argument form | z = r(cos θ + i sin θ) where r is the modulus and θ the argument. | |
| Core Pure | Core | De Moivre's theorem & polar form | (r e^{iθ})^n = r^n e^{inθ} — used for powers, roots, and trigonometric identities. | |
| Core Pure | Core | Matrix multiplication, determinant, inverse | Multiply rows by columns; determinant tests singularity; inverse exists when det ≠ 0. | |
| Core Pure | Core | Eigenvalue & eigenvector | Scalars λ and non-zero vectors v satisfying Av = λv — found by solving det(A − λI) = 0. | |
| Core Pure | Advanced | Maclaurin & hyperbolic functions | Series expansions about x = 0 and the hyperbolic functions sinh, cosh, tanh and their inverses. | |
| Further Pure | Core | Proof by induction | Show base case and that truth at n = k implies truth at n = k + 1. | |
| Further Pure | Core | Method of differences | Sum a series by writing terms as f(r) − f(r + 1) so most cancel telescopically. | |
| Further Pure | Core | Partial fractions | Decompose a rational expression into simpler fractions to enable integration or summation. | |
| Further Pure | Core | Polar curves | Curves defined by r = f(θ) — sketch, find tangents, and compute enclosed areas via ∫½r² dθ. | |
| Further Pure | Advanced | Parametric integration, arc length, surface area | Integrate with respect to a parameter t, with arc length ∫√((dx/dt)² + (dy/dt)²) dt and surfaces of revolution from rotating curves. | |
| Further Mechanics | Core | Work-energy principle | Work done by the resultant force equals the change in kinetic energy. | |
| Further Mechanics | Core | Kinetic energy | KE = ½mv² — energy due to motion in joules. | |
| Further Mechanics | Core | Momentum and impulse | Momentum p = mv; impulse = force × time = change in momentum. | |
| Further Mechanics | Core | Conservation of momentum | Total momentum is conserved in collisions; elastic also conserves KE while inelastic does not. | |
| Further Mechanics | Core | Simple harmonic motion | Acceleration proportional to and directed toward equilibrium: a = −ω²x. | |
| Further Mechanics | Advanced | Circular motion | Centripetal force directed to the centre with F = mω²r = mv²/r. | |
| Further Statistics | Core | Poisson distribution | Models count of independent events in a fixed interval with mean λ — variance also equals λ. | |
| Further Statistics | Core | Geometric distribution | Number of trials until the first success with constant probability p; P(X = k) = (1 − p)^{k−1} p. | |
| Further Statistics | Core | Chi-squared goodness-of-fit | Compares observed and expected frequencies via Σ (O − E)² / E against critical χ² values. | |
| Further Statistics | Core | t-test | Tests means when the population standard deviation is unknown using the Student t-distribution. | |
| Further Statistics | Advanced | Continuous distributions & central limit theorem | Probabilities from areas under a pdf, with sample means approximately normal for large n regardless of the parent distribution. |
Pair this with our revision checklists, formula sheets hub and past paper finder.
Further Mathematics (WFM01/WFM02) — Keywords & Key Terms FAQ
- What is on this Pearson Edexcel A Level Further Mathematics keywords and key terms list?
- It is a topic-organised glossary of important further mathematics terms with short, exam-style definitions aligned to Pearson Edexcel International A Level Further Mathematics (WFM01/WFM02). It is designed for “define”, “state”, “outline” and “explain” questions where precise vocabulary earns marks.
- How should I use this Further Mathematics glossary alongside past papers?
- Tick terms when you can recall them without reading the answer, then check your wording against mark schemes. Pair vocabulary practice with past papers for A Level Further Mathematics (WFM01/WFM02) so you apply terms in context.
- Is this the same as a revision checklist or a formula sheet?
- No. Revision checklists help you track which syllabus topics you have covered and your confidence—separate pages on Tutopiya. Formula sheets summarise equations and quantitative relationships. This page is only a definitions and key-terms glossary for Further Mathematics.
- Can I download this Further Mathematics keywords and key terms list for free?
- Yes. After a quick free sign-up you can download a UTF-8 CSV (opens in Excel or Google Sheets) or open a print-friendly page and save as PDF. Browsing the list on the page is free.
- Is this Further Mathematics list aligned to the WFM01/WFM02 specification?
- Topic groupings and wording follow Pearson Edexcel International A Level Further Mathematics for Pearson Edexcel A Level. Always confirm final learning objectives and any regional options in your official specification and recent examiner reports for your exam session.
- Why focus on definitions instead of full notes?
- Mark schemes reward correct technical terms and clear links between ideas. A compact glossary lets you drill the exact language examiners expect for Further Mathematics at A Level, separate from longer notes or topic trackers.