Pearson Edexcel · International A Level · WMA01–WMA03
Mathematics — Keywords & Key Terms — Definitions Glossary (2026)
Pearson Edexcel International A Level 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 Mathematics (WMA01–WMA03)
Pearson Edexcel International A Level Mathematics (WMA01–WMA03)
Pearson Edexcel International A Level Mathematics
Pearson International A Level Mathematics uses units WMA01 (Pure Pure), WMA02 (Pure), WMA03 (Pure) — plus applied units (Mechanics WME01, Statistics WST01 etc.) depending on your International A Level route. Content spans pure algebra and calculus, proof, numerical methods, vectors, and applied papers as per your combination.
Mark schemes: Pearson uses M (method) and A (accuracy) marks; B marks for independent correctness; sometimes DM (dependent method). Follow-through is often allowed from an earlier error if the later work is structurally correct. Final answers must match required form — surds, fractions, exact π unless decimal requested.
Active recall: 0 / 38 terms ticked
| Recalled | Topic | Level | Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pure: algebra, proof & functions | Core | Rational function | Quotient of polynomials — partial fractions for integration. | |
| Pure: algebra, proof & functions | Core | Modulus function | |x| — piecewise definition; inequalities |ax + b| < c. | |
| Pure: algebra, proof & functions | Core | Composite function | fg(x) = f(g(x)) — order matters. | |
| Pure: algebra, proof & functions | Core | Inverse function | f⁻¹; domain of f = range of f⁻¹ for one-to-one f. | |
| Pure: algebra, proof & functions | Core | Proof by contradiction | Assume negation; derive logical contradiction. | |
| Pure: algebra, proof & functions | Core | Proof by induction | Base case; inductive hypothesis; inductive step. | |
| Pure: algebra, proof & functions | Core | Summation Σ notation | Arithmetic and geometric series; sum to infinity |r| < 1. | |
| Pure: differentiation & integration | Core | Chain, product, quotient rules | Differentiate products, quotients, composites. | |
| Pure: differentiation & integration | Core | Implicit differentiation | Differentiate y as function of x term-by-term. | |
| Pure: differentiation & integration | Core | Parametric differentiation | dy/dx = (dy/dt)/(dx/dt). | |
| Pure: differentiation & integration | Core | Integration by substitution | Reverse chain rule. | |
| Pure: differentiation & integration | Advanced | Integration by parts | ∫u dv = uv − ∫v du. | |
| Pure: differentiation & integration | Core | Partial fractions | Decompose rational functions for integration. | |
| Pure: differentiation & integration | Core | Numerical integration | Trapezium rule; compare with increasing/decreasing function for error sense. | |
| Pure: differentiation & integration | Advanced | Newton–Raphson | Iterative root-finding — xₙ₊₁ = xₙ − f(xₙ)/f’(xₙ). | |
| Pure: trigonometry & exponentials | Core | R cos(θ ± α) form | Combine a cos θ + b sin θ. | |
| Pure: trigonometry & exponentials | Core | Small-angle approximations | sin θ ≈ θ, cos θ ≈ 1 − θ²/2, tan θ ≈ θ (radians). | |
| Pure: trigonometry & exponentials | Core | Exponential growth/decay | N = N₀e^(kt); k > 0 growth, k < 0 decay. | |
| Pure: trigonometry & exponentials | Core | Natural logarithm | Inverse of ln — solve e^x = a. | |
| Pure: vectors & coordinate geometry | Core | Scalar product | a·b = |a||b| cos θ — perpendicular when zero. | |
| Pure: vectors & coordinate geometry | Core | Vector equation of line | r = a + λb. | |
| Pure: vectors & coordinate geometry | Core | Shortest distance | Point to line or between lines — vector projection. | |
| Pure: vectors & coordinate geometry | Core | Binomial expansion | (1 + x)ⁿ for rational n — validity interval. | |
| Mechanics | Core | Kinematics | suvat for constant acceleration; projectiles. | |
| Mechanics | Core | Newton’s second law | Along direction of motion for connected particles. | |
| Mechanics | Core | Friction | F ≤ μR; limiting friction when sliding impends. | |
| Mechanics | Core | Work–energy principle | Total work = change in KE. | |
| Mechanics | Core | Power | P = Fv when force parallel to velocity. | |
| Mechanics | Core | Circular motion | Centripetal acceleration v²/r toward centre. | |
| Mechanics | Core | Moments | Equilibrium — Σ clockwise moments = Σ anticlockwise. | |
| Statistics | Core | Discrete & continuous random variables | p.d.f. integrates to 1; discrete sums to 1. | |
| Statistics | Core | Expectation & variance | E(aX + b) = aE(X) + b; Var(aX + b) = a²Var(X). | |
| Statistics | Core | Binomial distribution | Fixed n, constant p, independence. | |
| Statistics | Core | Normal distribution | Standardisation Z = (X − μ)/σ; continuity correction for approximations. | |
| Statistics | Advanced | Hypothesis testing | H₀ vs H₁; critical value or p-value; one- and two-tailed. | |
| Statistics | Core | Type I / Type II error | Reject true H₀; accept false H₀. | |
| Statistics | Core | Correlation | Pearson’s r — linear association; test ρ = 0. | |
| Statistics | Core | Regression | Least squares line y on x — prediction cautions. |
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Mathematics (WMA01–WMA03) — Keywords & Key Terms FAQ
- What is on this Pearson Edexcel International A Level Mathematics keywords and key terms list?
- It is a topic-organised glossary of important mathematics terms with short, exam-style definitions aligned to Pearson Edexcel International A Level Mathematics (WMA01–WMA03). It is designed for “define”, “state”, “outline” and “explain” questions where precise vocabulary earns marks.
- How should I use this 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 International A Level Mathematics (WMA01–WMA03) 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 Mathematics. Use formula sheets for equations; use this list for precise terms and definitions.
- Can I download this 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 Mathematics list aligned to the WMA01–WMA03 specification?
- Topic groupings and wording follow Pearson Edexcel International A Level Mathematics for Pearson Edexcel International 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 Mathematics at International A Level, separate from longer notes or topic trackers.