Mark Scheme
Summer 2025
Pearson Edexcel GCSE
In Mathematics
Foundation (Calculator) Paper 2F
,Mark Scheme for Edexcel GCSE Mathematics Foundation Paper 2
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 unit
conversions.
o Common tasks include budgeting, bounds, and flow rate problems.
o Strong focus on numerical operations embedded within practical contexts
2. Algebra
• Percentage: 32%
• Recurring Patterns:
o Consistently one of the most tested topics.
o Emphasis on solving linear equations, simplifying expressions, and substitutions in
formulas.
o Regular tasks involving sequences, transformations, and integration with other topics
like graphs.
o Often tied to real-world scenarios requiring multi-step reasoning.
3. Geometry
• Percentage: 27%
• Recurring Patterns:
o Heavy focus on measuring angles, trigonometry, transformations, and area/volume
calculations.
o Problems often require diagram interpretation and dimensional reasoning.
o Geometry frequently integrates with algebra or arithmetic.
4. Probability and Statistics
• Percentage: 11%
• Recurring Patterns:
o Frequent use of tree diagrams, histograms, and cumulative frequency diagrams.
o Questions involve interpreting data sets, calculating probabilities, and statistical
measures like averages.
Page | 2
, o Data representation and interpretation are tied to practical applications like surveys
and population data.
5. Graphs
• Percentage: 6%
• Recurring Patterns:
o Tasks involve plotting and analyzing linear graphs.
o Minimal focus on graph transformations and trends.
o Foundational skills tested, such as identifying gradients, midpoints, and basic graph
interpretation.
Key Insights
1. Most Tested Topics:
• Algebra is consistently one of the most tested areas, reflecting its importance in foundational
mathematical reasoning.
2. Least Tested Topics:
• Graphs and Probability/Statistics have the lowest percentage allocation, focusing on
simpler foundational tasks.
Page | 3
, Question 1: Write the following numbers in order. Start with the lowest
number.
Numbers: 8, -4, 5, -2, 1
1. Strategies to answer the question
1. Understand the problem: You are asked to compare and order the numbers from
smallest to largest.
2. Remember: Negative numbers are smaller than positive numbers, and the further left
on the number line, the smaller the number.
3. Arrange the numbers in ascending order based on their positions on the number line.
2. Mark Scheme
• Correct order: -4, -2, 1, 5, 8 (1 mark)
3. Background Theory
• Number lines: A number line is a visual tool where numbers increase as you move to
the right and decrease as you move to the left.
• Comparing negative numbers: Negative numbers are smaller than positive numbers
because they represent quantities below zero. For example, -4 is smaller than -2.
• Example: Order the numbers 3, -1, 0, -5, and 2. The correct order is -5, -1, 0, 2, 3.
Page | 4
Summer 2025
Pearson Edexcel GCSE
In Mathematics
Foundation (Calculator) Paper 2F
,Mark Scheme for Edexcel GCSE Mathematics Foundation Paper 2
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 unit
conversions.
o Common tasks include budgeting, bounds, and flow rate problems.
o Strong focus on numerical operations embedded within practical contexts
2. Algebra
• Percentage: 32%
• Recurring Patterns:
o Consistently one of the most tested topics.
o Emphasis on solving linear equations, simplifying expressions, and substitutions in
formulas.
o Regular tasks involving sequences, transformations, and integration with other topics
like graphs.
o Often tied to real-world scenarios requiring multi-step reasoning.
3. Geometry
• Percentage: 27%
• Recurring Patterns:
o Heavy focus on measuring angles, trigonometry, transformations, and area/volume
calculations.
o Problems often require diagram interpretation and dimensional reasoning.
o Geometry frequently integrates with algebra or arithmetic.
4. Probability and Statistics
• Percentage: 11%
• Recurring Patterns:
o Frequent use of tree diagrams, histograms, and cumulative frequency diagrams.
o Questions involve interpreting data sets, calculating probabilities, and statistical
measures like averages.
Page | 2
, o Data representation and interpretation are tied to practical applications like surveys
and population data.
5. Graphs
• Percentage: 6%
• Recurring Patterns:
o Tasks involve plotting and analyzing linear graphs.
o Minimal focus on graph transformations and trends.
o Foundational skills tested, such as identifying gradients, midpoints, and basic graph
interpretation.
Key Insights
1. Most Tested Topics:
• Algebra is consistently one of the most tested areas, reflecting its importance in foundational
mathematical reasoning.
2. Least Tested Topics:
• Graphs and Probability/Statistics have the lowest percentage allocation, focusing on
simpler foundational tasks.
Page | 3
, Question 1: Write the following numbers in order. Start with the lowest
number.
Numbers: 8, -4, 5, -2, 1
1. Strategies to answer the question
1. Understand the problem: You are asked to compare and order the numbers from
smallest to largest.
2. Remember: Negative numbers are smaller than positive numbers, and the further left
on the number line, the smaller the number.
3. Arrange the numbers in ascending order based on their positions on the number line.
2. Mark Scheme
• Correct order: -4, -2, 1, 5, 8 (1 mark)
3. Background Theory
• Number lines: A number line is a visual tool where numbers increase as you move to
the right and decrease as you move to the left.
• Comparing negative numbers: Negative numbers are smaller than positive numbers
because they represent quantities below zero. For example, -4 is smaller than -2.
• Example: Order the numbers 3, -1, 0, -5, and 2. The correct order is -5, -1, 0, 2, 3.
Page | 4
