Edexcel International GCSE (9-1) Mathematics A – Student Book 1 Notes

Online Access and Introduction

  • Provides access to ActiveBook, an online digital version of the textbook for personalized learning with notes, highlights, and links.
  • Access to ActiveBook is valid for three years upon activation.
  • Go to www.pearsonactivelearn.com to register/log in and activate the access code.

General Information

  • This book is for students following the Edexcel International GCSE (9-1) Maths A Higher Tier specification.
  • Consists of five units covering Number, Algebra, Graphs, Shape and Space, and Handling Data.
  • Contains explanations, examples, and exercises for building confidence.
  • Offers parallel exercises (non-starred and starred) and revision exercises.
  • Includes Challenges, and Fact Finders for comprehension of real data.

Course Structure and Content

UNIT 1

NUMBER

Number 1

  • Covers fractions (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division), and problem-solving with fractions.

  • Focuses on simplifying fractions, converting between mixed numbers and improper fractions.

  • Includes examples on simplifying fractions, converting decimals to fractions, and vice versa.

  • Introduces the concept of lowest common denominator.

  • Explains multiplication of fractions, including cancellation before multiplying.

  • Outlines dividing fractions (reciprocal).

  • Discusses order of operations (BIDMAS).

  • Introduces significant figures and decimal places.

ALGEBRA

Algebra 1

  • Covers simplifying algebraic expressions, expanding brackets, and solving equations.
  • Introduces the use of letters to represent unknown numbers (e.g., x).
  • Explains simplifying expressions with brackets and negative signs outside of brackets.
  • Provides examples of solving equations, including those with x on both sides.

GRAPHS

Graphs 1

  • Covers gradient of a straight line, plotting straight-line graphs, and conversion graphs.
  • Each point can be represented as (x, y).
  • Explains the concept of rise and run. Gradient m = \frac{rise}{run} = \frac{y2-y1}{x2-x1}.
  • Includes examples of finding the gradient of a straight-line and plotting graphs.
  • Introduces equations of the form y = mx + c.

SHAPE AND SPACE

Shape and Space 1

  • Covers triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons including interior and exterior angles, constructions and similar triangles.
  • Covers triangles (equilateral, isosceles, right-angled). Exterior angle of a triangle is the sum of the two opposite angles.
  • Formula: sum of the interior angles of a polygon = (n-2) Imes 180 degrees.
  • Introduces maps and scale drawings.

SETS

Sets

  • Covers set notation and Venn diagrams.
    Definition of a set, elements, union, and intersection of sets, also universal and empty set.

Assessment

  • Assessment Overview including Paper 1 (50%) and Paper 2 (50%).
  • Assessment Objectives and Weightings. Includes AO1, AO2, and AO3.

Calculators

  • Electronic calculators are required and must have basic scientific functions.
  • Prohibited calculator functions include databanks, text retrieval, QWERTY keyboards, and symbolic algebra manipulation.