Mark Scheme
Summer 2025
Pearson Edexcel GCSE
In Mathematics
Foundation (Non-Calculator) Paper 1F
,Mark Scheme for Edexcel GCSE Mathematics Foundation Paper 1
Five Year Past Paper Question Analysis by topic and frequency
1. Arithmetic
• Percentage: 24%
• Recurring Patterns:
o Real-life scenarios like percentage calculations, proportional reasoning, and
scaling.
o Common tasks include budgeting, bounds, and flow rate problems.
o Strong focus on numerical operations embedded within practical contexts.
2. Algebra
• Percentage: 34%
• Recurring Patterns:
o Consistently the most tested topic.
o Emphasis on solving quadratic and simultaneous equations, simplifying
expressions, and inequalities.
o Regular tasks involving sequences, transformations, and graph-related algebraic
reasoning.
o Often integrated with geometry and real-world problems.
3. Geometry
• Percentage: 27%
• Recurring Patterns:
o Heavy focus on trigonometry, circle theorems, and transformations.
o Problems involving 2D and 3D shapes, such as area, volume, and vector
geometry.
o Geometry tasks are often presented with diagrams, requiring careful
interpretation.
Page | 2
,4. Probability and Statistics
• Percentage: 10%
• Recurring Patterns:
o Frequent use of tree diagrams, histograms, and cumulative frequency diagrams.
o Questions often involve interpreting data sets, calculating probabilities, and
finding statistical measures.
o Data representation and interpretation are tied to real-world applications.
5. Graphs
• Percentage: 6%
• Recurring Patterns:
o Tasks involve plotting and analyzing linear and quadratic graphs.
o Minimal focus on graph transformations and trends.
o Foundational skills tested, such as identifying roots and gradients.
Key Insights
1. Most Tested Topics:
• Algebra is consistently the most tested area, reflecting its central role in higher-tier
mathematical reasoning.
2. Least Tested Topics:
• Graphs and Probability/Statistics have the lowest percentage allocation, focusing on
simpler foundational tasks.
3. Recurring Patterns Across Papers:
1. Real-Life Contexts:
o Many questions are set in practical scenarios, such as financial modeling, scaling,
and measurements.
2. Stepwise Progression:
Page | 3
, o Tasks progress from basic recall and calculations to complex multi-step problem-
solving.
Question 1: Write 42% as a fraction in its simplest form.
1. Strategies to Answer the Question
1. Recall that a percentage is a fraction out of 100.
42
o 42% = 100.
2. Simplify the fraction by dividing the numerator and denominator by their greatest
common divisor (GCD), which is 2 in this case.
2. Mark Scheme
1. Write as a fraction:
42
.
100
[1 mark]
2. Simplify the fraction:
42÷2 21
= 50.
100÷2
[1 mark]
3. Background Theory
• Percentages:
A percentage represents a part per hundred. To convert to a fraction, divide by 100.
• Simplification:
A fraction is simplified when the numerator and denominator have no common factors
other than 1. Use the GCD to divide both terms.
Page | 4
Summer 2025
Pearson Edexcel GCSE
In Mathematics
Foundation (Non-Calculator) Paper 1F
,Mark Scheme for Edexcel GCSE Mathematics Foundation Paper 1
Five Year Past Paper Question Analysis by topic and frequency
1. Arithmetic
• Percentage: 24%
• Recurring Patterns:
o Real-life scenarios like percentage calculations, proportional reasoning, and
scaling.
o Common tasks include budgeting, bounds, and flow rate problems.
o Strong focus on numerical operations embedded within practical contexts.
2. Algebra
• Percentage: 34%
• Recurring Patterns:
o Consistently the most tested topic.
o Emphasis on solving quadratic and simultaneous equations, simplifying
expressions, and inequalities.
o Regular tasks involving sequences, transformations, and graph-related algebraic
reasoning.
o Often integrated with geometry and real-world problems.
3. Geometry
• Percentage: 27%
• Recurring Patterns:
o Heavy focus on trigonometry, circle theorems, and transformations.
o Problems involving 2D and 3D shapes, such as area, volume, and vector
geometry.
o Geometry tasks are often presented with diagrams, requiring careful
interpretation.
Page | 2
,4. Probability and Statistics
• Percentage: 10%
• Recurring Patterns:
o Frequent use of tree diagrams, histograms, and cumulative frequency diagrams.
o Questions often involve interpreting data sets, calculating probabilities, and
finding statistical measures.
o Data representation and interpretation are tied to real-world applications.
5. Graphs
• Percentage: 6%
• Recurring Patterns:
o Tasks involve plotting and analyzing linear and quadratic graphs.
o Minimal focus on graph transformations and trends.
o Foundational skills tested, such as identifying roots and gradients.
Key Insights
1. Most Tested Topics:
• Algebra is consistently the most tested area, reflecting its central role in higher-tier
mathematical reasoning.
2. Least Tested Topics:
• Graphs and Probability/Statistics have the lowest percentage allocation, focusing on
simpler foundational tasks.
3. Recurring Patterns Across Papers:
1. Real-Life Contexts:
o Many questions are set in practical scenarios, such as financial modeling, scaling,
and measurements.
2. Stepwise Progression:
Page | 3
, o Tasks progress from basic recall and calculations to complex multi-step problem-
solving.
Question 1: Write 42% as a fraction in its simplest form.
1. Strategies to Answer the Question
1. Recall that a percentage is a fraction out of 100.
42
o 42% = 100.
2. Simplify the fraction by dividing the numerator and denominator by their greatest
common divisor (GCD), which is 2 in this case.
2. Mark Scheme
1. Write as a fraction:
42
.
100
[1 mark]
2. Simplify the fraction:
42÷2 21
= 50.
100÷2
[1 mark]
3. Background Theory
• Percentages:
A percentage represents a part per hundred. To convert to a fraction, divide by 100.
• Simplification:
A fraction is simplified when the numerator and denominator have no common factors
other than 1. Use the GCD to divide both terms.
Page | 4
