OCR · A Level · H240
Mathematics — Keywords & Key Terms — Definitions Glossary (2026)
OCR A Level Mathematics A (H240)
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.
OCR A Level Mathematics (H240)
OCR A Level Mathematics (H240)
OCR A Level Mathematics A (H240)
OCR Mathematics A (H240) covers Pure Mathematics, Mechanics and Statistics across Papers 1–3, with statistical inference based on the large data set. Pure topics span algebra, functions, calculus, trigonometry, vectors and numerical methods.
Mark schemes: OCR mark schemes split into M (method), A (accuracy) and B (independent) marks; named results such as the Newton–Raphson iteration, the chain/product/quotient rules, or the binomial expansion should be quoted before use. Exact answers in surd, fractional or π form unless the question states otherwise; statistics conclusions must reference H₀, the significance level and the context.
Active recall: 0 / 22 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 | Implicit differentiation | Differentiating both sides with respect to x when y is defined implicitly. | |
| 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 | Integration by substitution | Reverse of chain rule using a substitution u = g(x) to simplify the integrand. | |
| 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 — vectors & numerical methods | Core | Position vector | Vector from origin to a point, in 2D or 3D component form. | |
| Pure — vectors & numerical methods | Core | 3D vectors | Use of i, j, k components; magnitude √(x² + y² + z²). | |
| Pure — vectors & numerical methods | Core | Parametric equations | x = f(t), y = g(t); dy/dx = (dy/dt)/(dx/dt). | |
| Pure — vectors & numerical methods | Core | Newton–Raphson method | Iteration xₙ₊₁ = xₙ − f(xₙ)/f′(xₙ) for refining roots of f(x) = 0. | |
| Pure — vectors & numerical methods | Advanced | Failure of Newton–Raphson | Iteration may diverge near a stationary point or with poor initial estimate. | |
| 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. |
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Mathematics (H240) — Keywords & Key Terms FAQ
- What is on this OCR 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 OCR A Level Mathematics A (H240) (H240). 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 (H240) 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 H240 specification?
- Topic groupings and wording follow OCR A Level Mathematics A (H240) for OCR 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.