AQA AS Mathematics Past Papers & Mark Schemes

AQA AS Mathematics (specification 7356) provides a standalone qualification covering the foundational pure mathematics content alongside introductory applied topics in statistics and mechanics. With 45 past papers and mark schemes from successive examination sessions, students can develop the procedural fluency and problem-solving confidence that both papers require. Paper 1 (1 hour 30 minutes, 80 marks) covers pure mathematics content and may include questions on any of the applied topics. The pure content centres on proof, algebra and functions (including quadratics, simultaneous equations, inequalities, and the factor theorem), coordinate geometry (straight lines and circles), sequences and series (including the binomial expansion for positive integer n), trigonometry (sine and cosine rules, trigonometric identities and equations), exponentials and logarithms (including the laws of logarithms and solving equations using logarithms), differentiation (from first principles, gradient functions, tangents, normals, increasing and decreasing functions, and second derivatives), and integration (as the reverse of differentiation, definite integrals, and area under curves). Paper 2 (1 hour 30 minutes, 80 marks) also covers pure mathematics and may include questions on any applied topic. The statistics content introduces data collection (sampling methods, types of data), measures of location and spread (mean, median, quartiles, percentiles, variance, standard deviation, coding), representation of data (histograms, cumulative frequency, box plots), correlation and regression (Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient, least squares regression lines), probability (conditional probability, tree diagrams, Venn diagrams), and the binomial distribution (conditions, calculating probabilities). The mechanics content covers vectors (two-dimensional, magnitude, direction), kinematics (constant acceleration formulae, velocity-time graphs, vertical motion under gravity), and forces and Newton's laws (resolving forces, connected particles, pulleys). Both papers carry equal weight and examine a mixture of pure and applied content. Each paper uses a calculator and provides a formulae booklet. Questions range from short procedural calculations to multi-step problem-solving requiring students to select and combine mathematical techniques independently.