Pearson Edexcel · A Level · 9MA0
Mathematics — Keywords & Key Terms — Definitions Glossary (2026)
Pearson Edexcel A Level Mathematics (9MA0)
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 A Level Mathematics (9MA0)
Pearson Edexcel A Level Mathematics (9MA0)
Pearson Edexcel A Level Mathematics (9MA0)
Pearson Edexcel Mathematics A (9MA0) covers Pure Mathematics in Papers 1 and 2, with Statistics and Mechanics combined in Paper 3. Pure topics span algebra, functions, calculus, trigonometry, vectors, parametric equations and numerical methods; statistics uses the prescribed large data set.
Mark schemes: Pearson mark schemes split into M (method), A (accuracy) and B (independent) marks; named theorems such as the Newton–Raphson iteration, the binomial expansion or the chain/product/quotient rules should be quoted by name before use. Exact answers in surd, fractional or π form unless told otherwise; statistics conclusions must explicitly reference H₀, the significance level α and the context of the question.
Active recall: 0 / 20 terms ticked
| Recalled | Topic | Level | Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pure — algebra, calculus & trigonometry | Essential | Function | Rule mapping each input in the domain to exactly one output in the range. | |
| Pure — algebra, calculus & trigonometry | Core | Chain / product / quotient rules | Standard rules for differentiating composite, product and quotient functions. | |
| Pure — algebra, calculus & trigonometry | Core | Integration by parts | Reverse of product rule: ∫u dv = uv − ∫v du with sensible choice of u. | |
| Pure — algebra, calculus & trigonometry | Core | R-formula | Writing a cos θ + b sin θ as R cos(θ − α) with R = √(a²+b²) and tan α = b/a. | |
| Pure — algebra, calculus & trigonometry | Advanced | Double-angle identities | sin 2θ = 2 sin θ cos θ; cos 2θ = 1 − 2 sin²θ — used in integration and proof. | |
| Pure — numerical methods, parametric & integration techniques | Core | Newton–Raphson method | Iteration xₙ₊₁ = xₙ − f(xₙ)/f′(xₙ) for refining roots of f(x) = 0. | |
| Pure — numerical methods, parametric & integration techniques | Core | Failure of Newton–Raphson | Iteration may diverge near a stationary point or with a poor initial estimate. | |
| Pure — numerical methods, parametric & integration techniques | Core | Parametric equations | x = f(t), y = g(t); dy/dx found via (dy/dt) ÷ (dx/dt). | |
| Pure — numerical methods, parametric & integration techniques | Core | Integration by substitution | Reverse of chain rule using u = g(x) to simplify the integrand. | |
| Pure — numerical methods, parametric & integration techniques | Advanced | Trapezium rule | Numerical estimate of ∫f(x) dx using strips of equal width and end-point ordinates. | |
| Mechanics | Core | suvat equations | Constant-acceleration formulas linking displacement, velocity, acceleration and time. | |
| Mechanics | Core | Newton's second law | Resultant force on a body equals mass times acceleration: F = ma. | |
| Mechanics | Core | Friction | Contact force opposing motion with limiting value F = μR at the point of slipping. | |
| Mechanics | Core | Projectile motion | Independent horizontal (constant velocity) and vertical (constant acceleration) components. | |
| Mechanics | Advanced | Variable acceleration | a = dv/dt = d²s/dt²; integrate or differentiate to switch between s, v and a. | |
| Statistics & probability | Core | Binomial distribution B(n,p) | Discrete model for the number of successes in n independent trials each with probability p. | |
| Statistics & probability | Core | Normal distribution N(μ,σ²) | Continuous symmetric distribution standardised by Z = (X − μ)/σ. | |
| Statistics & probability | Core | Hypothesis test | Test of H₀ against H₁ using a sample, compared with significance level α. | |
| Statistics & probability | Core | Regression line | Least-squares line y = a + bx best-fitting bivariate data, used for prediction within range. | |
| Statistics & probability | Advanced | Correlation coefficient r | Product-moment measure of linear association; −1 ≤ r ≤ 1, with sign and strength interpreted in context. |
Pair this with our revision checklists, formula sheets hub and past paper finder.
Mathematics (9MA0) — Keywords & Key Terms FAQ
- What is on this Pearson Edexcel 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 A Level Mathematics (9MA0) (9MA0). 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 A Level Mathematics (9MA0) 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 9MA0 specification?
- Topic groupings and wording follow Pearson Edexcel A Level Mathematics (9MA0) 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 Mathematics at A Level, separate from longer notes or topic trackers.