AM Syllabus (2023): Pure Mathematics

AM SYLLABUS (2023)

PURE MATHEMATICS AM 27

SYLLABUS

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 AM Syllabus (2023): Pure Mathematics

Pure Mathematics AM 27 (Available in September )

Syllabus Paper I(3hrs)+Paper II(3hrs)

1. AIMS

• To prepare students for further studies in Mathematics and related subjects.

• To extend the students’ range of mathematical techniques so as to apply them in more difficult and
unstructured problems.
• To develop in students the ability to read and understand a wider range of mathematical articles
and arguments.
• To enable students to formulate a mathematical representation of a real life situation.
• To use appropriate technology such as computers and calculators as a mathematical tool.
• To encourage confidence, enjoyment and satisfaction through the development and use of
Mathematics.

The syllabus assumes a good knowledge of the subject at SEC level and coverage of the extension
topics in Paper 2A. It aims at consolidating this knowledge and to extend it to include more advanced
concepts.

2. ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES

Candidates are required to:

• demonstrate their knowledge of mathematical facts, concepts, theories and techniques in different
contexts.
• construct mathematical arguments and proofs by means of precise statements, logical deduction
and inference.
• recognise standard models and be able to apply them.

3. SCHEME OF ASSESSMENT

The examination will consist of 2 papers of 3 hours each. Any examination question can test material
from more than one topic. Questions may be set on topics which are not explicitly mentioned in the
syllabus but such questions will contain suitable guidance so that candidates will be able to tackle them
with the mathematical knowledge they would have acquired during their studies of the material in the
syllabus. Knowledge of topics in Paper 1 is assumed and may be tested in Paper 2.
Graphical calculators will not be allowed however scientific calculators could be used but all necessary
working must be shown. A booklet with mathematical formulae will be provided.

Paper 1 will contain 10 questions, possibly of varying difficulty. Marks allotted to each question will
be shown. The total number of marks available in the paper is 100 and candidates will have to answer
all the questions.
Paper 2 will contain 10 questions and candidates will be asked to choose 7 questions. Each question
will carry 15 marks.

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 AM Syllabus (2023): Pure Mathematics

4. GRADE DESCRIPTION

Grade A:
• Candidates who are able to recall and select almost all concepts, techniques and theories
required in different contexts.
• Candidates who use diagrams and sketches with a high level of accuracy and who are able to
proceed logically in their proofs.
• Candidates who derive results to a high degree of accuracy.

Grade C:
• Candidates who are able to recall and select most concepts, techniques and theories required in
different contexts.
• Candidates who use diagrams and sketches with a reasonable level of accuracy and who are
able to proceed logically in their proofs.
• Candidates who derive results to an appropriate degree of accuracy.

Grade E:
• Candidates who are able to recall and select some concepts, techniques and theories required
in different contexts.
• Candidates who use diagrams and sketches with some accuracy and who are able to proceed
logically in their proofs.
• Candidates who derive results to a fair degree of accuracy.

5. SUBJECT CONTENT

The topics are not arranged in teaching order. The syllabus is not meant as a teaching scheme and
teachers are free to adopt any teaching sequence that they deem to be suitable for their students.

Pure Mathematics Paper 1

Topics Notes

1. Surds, Indices,
Logarithms, Partial
Fractions and Quadratics

Classification of numbers: ℝ, ℂ, ℕ, ℚ and ℤ.

Use and manipulation of To include simplification and rationalisation of the

surds. denominator of a fraction e.g. √15 − 4√27;
3√2−2√3
4√2+3√3

Positive and negative Properties of Indices i.e. Zero, negative and fractional.
rational indices Applying the laws of indices
Powers of products and quotients

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 AM Syllabus (2023): Pure Mathematics

3(1+𝑥)2 +4(1+𝑥)−1
Simplifying expressions e.g. .
2(1+𝑥)

Definition of logarithms, the laws of logarithms.

Logarithms Common and natural logarithms.
Change of base formula.
Solution of equations involving indices and logarithms

Include cases where the denominator is of the form:

Partial Fractions - (𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏)(𝑐𝑥 + 𝑑)(𝑒𝑥 + 𝑓)
- (𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏)(𝑐𝑥 + 𝑑)2
- (𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏)(𝑐𝑥2 + 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑒)
Include improper fractions.
In these cases the degree of the denominator must not be
greater than three.

Remainder and factor Finding the remainder and also factorizing cubic or
theorem quartic expressions.
Sum and difference of two cubes

Pascal’s triangle

Quadratic equations • Solution of quadratic equations by factorizing or by

completing the square. Locating the maximum or
minimum value of a quadratic function. Sketching
quadratic functions.
• Nature of roots of a quadratic equation.
• Knowledge of the relation between the roots 𝛼 and 𝛽
and the coefficients of a quadratic equation. Forming
new equations with roots related to the original.
Calculations of expressions up to the third degree
e.g. 𝛼 3 + 𝛽 3.

Simple inequalities in one Graphical or algebraic solution of:

variable
• Linear inequalities
• Quadratic inequalities
• Cubic inequalities, which can be factorized in at least
one linear factor
• Inequalities involving modulus of functions of the
above type
• Rational inequalities reducible to the third degree

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 AM Syllabus (2023): Pure Mathematics

2. Sequences and Series

Arithmetic and Geometric Include:

series • Definition of a sequence and a series
• The general term of an A.P. and a G.P.
• The sum of an A.P. and a G.P.
• Arithmetic and Geometric mean
• Use of ∑ notation
• Condition for convergence of an infinite geometric
series and its sum to infinity

The binomial expansion for Expansion of (𝑎 + 𝑏𝑥)𝑛 for any rational n in either
rational indices ascending or descending powers of x and condition for
convergence of a binomial series

3. Enumeration and
probability

Addition and multiplication Problems about selections, e.g. finding the number of
principles for counting ways in which a committee of 2 men and 3 women can be
selected from a group of 10 men and 7 women.

Simple counting problems Problems about arrangements of objects in a line

involving permutations and including those in which some objects are repeated and
combinations. those in which arrangement is restricted, e.g. by requiring
that two or more objects must, or must not, stand next to
each other.

Applications to simple The knowledge of probability expected will be limited to

problems in probability the calculation of probabilities arising from simple
problems of enumeration of equally likely possibilities,
including simple problems involving the probability of
complement of an event and of the union and inter-
section of two events.

4. Graphic techniques and

Coordinate Geometry

Simple curve sketching Include:

• Curve sketching will be limited to polynomials up to
three stationary points
• Effect of the simple transformations on the graph of
𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) as represented by 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥 + 𝑎), 𝑦 =
𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑎, 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑎𝑥) and 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑓(𝑥), and
combination of these transformations up to a
maximum of three transformations

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 AM Syllabus (2023): Pure Mathematics

• The relation of the equation of a graph to its

symmetries

Straight line Include:

• Distance between two points
• Mid-point of the line joining two points
• Various forms of equation of a line
• Condition for parallel and perpendicular lines
• Intersection and angle between two lines
• Perpendicular distance from a point to a line

Loci Finding the equation of the locus of a point from a given

description of the locus

Parametric coordinates of a point on a curve

Circle Include:
• The two forms of the general equation of a circle
• Parametric coordinates of any point on a circle
• Equations of tangents to a circle
• External and internal contact of two circles
• Orthogonal circles

5. Functions

Functions, inverse functions Include:

and composite functions • Concepts of function, domain and range
• One – one and onto functions
• Use of notations e.g. 𝑓(𝑥) ≡ 𝑥 2 + 3,
𝑓: 𝑥 → 𝑥 2 + 3, 𝑓 −1 (𝑥), 𝑓𝑔(𝑥) or 𝑓 ∘ 𝑔
• Domain restricted to obtain an inverse function
• Finding inverse functions for one – one functions
• Composition of two functions
• Condition for the existence of an inverse function
and composite function
• The relationship between a function and its inverse
as the reflection in the line y = x

Exclude finding the domain and range of the inverse

of composite functions
Modulus of a function
• Use of the definition
|𝑥| = 𝑥, if 𝑥 ≥ 0
and |𝑥| = −𝑥, if 𝑥 < 0
• Sketching a modulus graph

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 AM Syllabus (2023): Pure Mathematics

Exclude the modulus of a function involving a

modulus function e.g. ||𝑥| − 3|
Rational functions
The definition of a rational function and how to perform
long division on rational functions
Types of functions
Definition of odd, even and periodic functions
The exponential and
An exponential function of the form 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎 𝑥 ,
logarithmic functions
where a > 0 and x is real.
The graphs of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑒 𝑥 and 𝑔(𝑥) = ln𝑥
The idea that f and g are the inverse of each other.

6. Trigonometry

The six trigonometric Include:

functions • Angles can be expressed in either degree or radian
measure
• The inverse of these functions and identify the
domain for their existence. Their graphs
• The CAST Rule

Arc length, area of sector

and area of a segment

Trigonometric Identities Include:

• Fundamental identities
• Pythagorean identities
• Compound angle Identities
• Double and half angle identities
• Factor formulae
Exclude on how to prove the compound angle identities.
Also manipulative skills are expected but questions
requiring lengthy manipulations will not be set.

Solutions of simple The general solution

𝜋
trigonometric equations Knowledge of the values of cosine, sine and tangent of 𝑘 ,
where k =1, 2, 3, 4, 6 in surd or rational form

Transformation of the Solution of equations of the form 𝑎 cos 𝜃 + 𝑏 sin 𝜃 = c

expression 𝑎 cos 𝜃 + 𝑏 sin 𝜃
into the forms such as
𝑅 cos(𝜃 ± 𝛼)

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 AM Syllabus (2023): Pure Mathematics

Small Angles The use of the approximations sin 𝑥 ≈ 𝑥 ≈ tan 𝑥,

𝑥2
and cos 𝑥 ≈ 1 − 2

7. Complex Numbers

Definition and basic Add, subtract, multiply, divide and find the square root of
properties of Complex complex numbers
numbers Conjugate complex numbers and solving quadratic
equations
Simple examples of conjugate roots of polynomials, up to
order 3, with real coefficients
Equating real and imaginary parts

The Argand diagram Complex number is in the form of either 𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏 or

𝑟(cos 𝜃 + 𝑖 sin 𝜃), where the argument 𝜃 satisfies – 𝜋 <
𝜃 ≤ 𝜋 and the modulus r > 0
Properties of products and quotients of moduli and
arguments

8. Differentiation

Definition of the derivative A rigorous treatment is not expected

as a limit

Differentiation of simple Differentiation of algebraic, trigonometric, exponential

functions defined implicitly and logarithmic functions
or parametrically Implicit and parametric differentiation
Logarithmic differentiation
Exclude differentiation of inverse trigonometric functions

Differentiation Rules Differentiation of sums, products, quotients and

composition of functions

Applications of Include:
Differentiation • Finding the equations of tangents and normal
• Finding stationary points and curve sketching
• Application of maximum or minimum to simple
practical problems
• Rates of change

9. Integration

Integration as the limit of a A rigorous treatment is not expected

sum and as the inverse of
differentiation

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 AM Syllabus (2023): Pure Mathematics

Integration of simple Integration of algebraic, trigonometric, exponential and

functions logarithmic functions

Integration Rules The evaluation of integrals by means of:

• Standard forms
• Substitution or by sight
• Parts (A single integral cannot contain more than 2
integration by parts)
• Partial Fractions
• Using trigonometric Identities

Applications of Integration Definite integrals

Calculating the area and the mean values of functions

10. Differential Equations First order differential equations of the separable type

11. Vectors

Vectors in two and three Include:

dimensions • Addition and subtraction of vectors, multiplication of
a vector by a scalar and their geometric interpretation
• Use of the unit vectors i, j and k
𝑎
• Use of notations such as ai + bj + ck, (𝑏 ) , a, ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐴𝐵
𝑐
• Position vectors
• Unit vector and magnitude of a vector
• Distance between two points

Three-dimensional Vector, Cartesian and parametric equations of lines

geometry Intersection of two lines
Intuitive understanding of skew lines in three dimensions

Scalar product Angle between two vectors

Angle between two lines
Condition for perpendicular lines

12. Matrices

The algebra of matrices Include:

• Definition of a matrix
• Special types of matrices i.e. zero, identity, square
and diagonal matrices
• Addition, subtraction and multiplication
• Condition for equal matrices
• Inverse of 2 × 2 matrices

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 AM Syllabus (2023): Pure Mathematics

Exclude finding the inverse of 3 × 3 matrices, but

students should be able to verify that two given 3 × 3
matrices are inverses of each other.

Matrix Properties Non commutativity of multiplication

Distributivity of multiplication over addition
Associativity

Linear transformations in Finding the matrix associated with a linear transformation

the plane and vice-versa. Rotation through an angle 𝜃 about the
origin, reflection in the line 𝑦 = 𝑥 tan 𝜃, magnification or
stretching. Derivations are expected.
Compound transformations in two dimensions.

Exclude shear transformation

Pure Mathematics Paper 2

Topics Notes

1. Summation of Series

Maclaurin’s Series Finding Maclaurin’s series of simple functions. Also

include the general term in simple cases.

Summation of simple Include

finite series • Using method of differences
• Using partial fractions
• Using standard results i.e.
𝑛 𝑛 𝑛

∑ 𝑟 , ∑ 𝑟 2 and ∑ 𝑟 3
𝑟=1 𝑟=1 𝑟=1

Summation of simple If 𝑆𝑛 = sum up to n terms, find

infinite series lim 𝑆𝑛
𝑛→∞

Methods one can use are

• Method of differences
• Partial fractions

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 AM Syllabus (2023): Pure Mathematics

• Comparison with standard power series i.e. binomial,

logarithmic, exponential and trigonometric series.
One is expected to know their region of convergence.

2. Method of Mathematical
Induction Mathematical induction is a method of mathematical
proof typically used to establish a given statement for all
natural numbers. It is expected that the knowledge of
mathematical induction can be applied to simple problems
using tools within the syllabus such as:
• De Moivre’s theorem (for positive integer only)
• Summation of series
• Inequalities
• Equations involving matrices
• Expressions involving a multiplicity or divisibility
property
• Differentiation

3. Complex Numbers

De Moivre’s Theorem for Include:

any rational index • Deriving trigonometric identities
• Finding the nth roots of a complex number -
o The sum of these roots = 0
o All the n nth roots of any complex number
1
z lie on a circle of radius |𝑧|𝑛
2𝜋
o Successive arguments differ by 𝑛 from
each other

Exponential form of a Euler’s formula i.e. 𝑒 𝑖𝜃 ≡ cos 𝜃 + 𝑖 sin 𝜃

complex number The exponential form for sin 𝜃 and cos 𝜃

Loci of complex numbers Limited to

• Loci of the form |𝑧 − 𝑎| = 𝑐; |𝑧 − 𝑎| = 𝑘|𝑧 − 𝑏|,
where a and b are complex numbers, c and k are
positive real numbers
• Loci involving the Real or Imaginary part of an
expression

Inequalities involving the Sketching on the Argand diagram the regions defined by
modulus sign |𝑧 − 𝑎| ≤ 𝑐, |𝑧 − 𝑎| ≤ 𝑘|𝑧 − 𝑏|

4. Vectors

Vector product

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 AM Syllabus (2023): Pure Mathematics

Definition of a vector product and how it is expressed in

determinant form
Its properties i.e. Non-commutativity, its Distributivity
over addition and non-associativity
Applications of vectors
Include:
• Equation of a plane in vector and Cartesian form
• Area of a triangle and a parallelogram
• Use of triple scalar product to find the volume of a
parallelepiped and volume of a tetrahedron

Exclude the knowledge of the triple vector product

Geometry of lines and
planes Include:
• Direction ratios and Direction vectors
• Angle between two planes, a line and a plane
• Intersection of two planes, a line and a plane
• Perpendicular distance from a point to a plane

5. Further curve sketching

𝑎𝑥 2 +𝑏𝑥+𝑐
Curve Sketching Sketching rational functions of the form 𝑝𝑥 2 +𝑞𝑥+𝑟

Finding the range of values of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) so as to deduce

the coordinates of the turning point(s)
1
Relating the graphs of 𝑦 = |𝑓(𝑥)|, 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) and 𝑦 2 =
𝑓(𝑥) to the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥)

Linear asymptotes Include horizontal, vertical and oblique asymptotes

6. Further integration

Applications of integration Include:

• Volume of revolution for Cartesian or parametric
coordinates
• Arc length and area of surface of revolution for
Cartesian or parametric coordinates

Exclude derivation of any formulae

Inverse trigonometric Differentiation and integration of inverse trigonometric

functions functions
Use of trigonometric substitutions in integration

Reduction formulae

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 AM Syllabus (2023): Pure Mathematics

Finding the reduction formulae for definite and indefinite

integral.
Exclude finding reduction formulae that involves more
than one variable

7. Polar Coordinates
Include:

• Plotting of points in polar coordinates

• Converting between polar and rectangular
coordinates
• Polar curve sketching, including the symmetry for r
being a function of cos 𝜃 only or of sin 𝜃 only.
Curve sketching is limited to the form 𝑟 = 𝑓(𝜃)
• Intersection of polar curves
• Area enclosed by a polar curve
• Location of points at which tangents are either
parallel to, or perpendicular to, the initial line.

8. Further Matrices

Inverse of 3×3 matrices Include:

• Definition of singular and non-singular matrices
• Definition of the determinant of a matrix
• Inverse of a 3×3 matrix using the adjoint method and
ERO method

System of three linear Solving a system of linear equations using the inverse or
equations the ERO method
Condition for a system of equations to be consistent i.e.
have a unique solution or infinite solution or inconsistent
i.e. no solution at all. Also the geometric interpretation of
each case

Linear transformations in Finding the matrix associated with a linear transformation

three dimensions for a
• Rotation through an angle 𝜃 about a coordinate axis,
• Reflection in the planes x = 0, y = 0 or z = 0,
• Enlargement (or reduction) in which the origin is the
centre of the enlargement (or reduction)
Finding the image of a point, line or plane under any of
the above linear transformations
Compound transformations in three dimensions
Definition of an invariant point, line or plane

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 AM Syllabus (2023): Pure Mathematics

9. Further Differential
Equations

First order 𝑑𝑦
Solving differential equations of the form 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑃𝑦 = 𝑄,
where P and Q are functions of x.

Second order Solving differential equations of the form

𝑑2 𝑦 𝑑𝑦
𝑎 𝑑𝑥 2 + 𝑏 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑐𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥),
where a, b and c are constants and 𝑓(𝑥) is p + qx + rx2,
𝜆𝑒 𝑘𝑥 or 𝑝 cos 𝑛𝑥 + 𝑞 sin 𝑛𝑥.
The particular integral can be found by trial.

Note that the trial solution will be given in problems

involving the failure case.

10. Numerical Methods

Location of roots Location of roots by considering changes in sign

The Newton-Raphson method. This is limited to two
iterations

Approximate Integration The trapezium and Simpson’s Rule

Integrating functions by using the first few terms of the
corresponding Maclaurin’s series

Other series expansions The use of the logarithmic, exponential, binomial or

trigonometric series in finding an approximate value e.g.
𝑒 0.3 , ln1.2 etc.

11. Further Probability

Elementary probability. Permutations and combinations

Calculation of
probabilities of equally
likely events

Addition and Use of Venn diagrams and tree diagrams to calculate

multiplication of probabilities. Sampling with and without replacement.
probabilities.
Mutually exclusive events. Understanding and use of P (A′) = 1 − P (A);
Independent events. P(A ∪ 𝐵) = P(A) + P(B) – P(A ∩ 𝐵)
𝑃(𝐴∩𝐵)
Conditional probability. and conditional probability defined as P (A|B) = 𝑃(𝐵) .
Sum and product laws.
Addition Rule Two events A, B are independent if P(A ∩ 𝐵) = P(A)P(B)

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AM Syllabus (2023): Pure Mathematics

Independence of a maximum of three events defined as

follows: 𝑃(𝐴 ∪ 𝐵 ∪ 𝐶) = 𝑃(𝐴)𝑃(𝐵)𝑃(𝐶) and any two
events of A, B, C are independent.

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