Predicting What Will Appear on Your Exam
Every IGCSE Maths student wishes they could know exactly which questions will appear on their exam paper. While nobody can predict the exact questions, analysing past papers reveals clear patterns in how Cambridge structures its exams. Certain topics appear every single year, some rotate in and out, and a few are tested in increasingly specific ways.
This guide breaks down the most likely topics for the 2026 IGCSE Maths exam series based on a careful analysis of papers from 2020 through 2025. Use it to prioritise your revision, but remember that thorough preparation across the entire syllabus is always the safest approach.
Topics That Appear Every Year
Some topics are so fundamental to the IGCSE Maths syllabus that they appear on virtually every paper. These are your guaranteed marks — master them and you have a solid foundation:
- Simultaneous equations. Whether by elimination, substitution, or graphical methods, at least one question involving a pair of simultaneous equations appears on almost every Extended paper. Core papers frequently include simpler versions.
- Pythagoras’ theorem and basic trigonometry. Questions applying the Pythagorean theorem or SOH-CAH-TOA trigonometric ratios appear consistently on both tiers.
- Percentage calculations. Reverse percentages, percentage increase and decrease, and compound interest questions are tested every year without exception.
- Statistics questions. Mean, median, mode, and range calculations appear on Core papers. Extended papers include cumulative frequency, histograms, and sometimes standard deviation.
- Area and volume. Mensuration questions involving circles, sectors, cylinders, cones, and spheres are staple features of the exam.
High-Probability Topics for 2026
Beyond the guaranteed topics, the following areas have appeared frequently in recent years and are highly likely to feature in 2026:
Circle theorems. The Extended paper has included circle theorem questions in every series from 2020 to 2025. Expect at least one question requiring you to identify and apply a specific theorem, often combined with algebra to find unknown angles.
Functions. Composite functions, inverse functions, and domain/range questions have become increasingly common. The trend over recent years suggests that Cambridge is placing more emphasis on this topic.
Transformations. Questions requiring you to describe transformations fully — stating the type, centre, scale factor, or vector as appropriate — appear regularly. The most common error is incomplete descriptions, which is why examiners keep testing this skill.
Vectors. Vector addition, subtraction, and scalar multiplication appear consistently. The Extended paper typically includes a vector proof or a question requiring you to express a position vector in terms of given vectors.
Sequences. Finding the nth term of linear and quadratic sequences is a frequent question type. The Extended paper may also test geometric sequences and the sum of a geometric series.
Topics Due for a Return
Some topics rotate in and out of exams on a roughly two-to-three-year cycle. Based on recent patterns, the following topics may be due for a stronger appearance in 2026:
Set notation and Venn diagrams. These questions were relatively light in recent papers but are a core part of the syllabus. Expect at least one question involving union, intersection, and complement notation.
Differentiation. On the Extended paper, basic differentiation has appeared with varying frequency. A question requiring you to find the gradient of a curve, locate turning points, or solve an optimisation problem is plausible for 2026.
Bounds. Upper and lower bounds questions appeared heavily in 2023 and 2024 but were less prominent in 2025. They could return with a more challenging application in 2026.
Paper-by-Paper Predictions
Paper 2 (Extended Non-Calculator): This paper tends to focus on algebraic skills and number work that can be done without a calculator. Expect:
- Algebraic manipulation including factorisation and expanding brackets
- Simultaneous equations
- Surds and indices
- Simple trigonometry using exact values
- Completing the square
- Probability without complex calculations
Paper 4 (Extended Calculator): The longer calculator paper covers a broader range and includes the most challenging questions. Expect:
- Multi-step trigonometry problems using sine and cosine rules
- Circle theorem questions
- Cumulative frequency and histograms
- Compound interest and depreciation
- Vectors and vector proofs
- Functions including composite and inverse
- A challenging final question worth 6 to 8 marks combining multiple topics
How to Use These Predictions
These predictions should inform your revision priorities, not replace a comprehensive study plan. Here is how to use them effectively:
Start with the guaranteed topics. If you are not confident with simultaneous equations, percentages, trigonometry, or statistics, these should be your first priority. They represent a significant proportion of the available marks.
Then focus on high-probability topics. Circle theorems, functions, transformations, and vectors are all worth dedicating specific revision sessions to. Work through past paper questions on each topic until you feel confident.
Finally, review the rotation topics. Set notation, differentiation, and bounds may not carry as many marks individually, but being prepared for them means you will not be caught off guard if they appear.
Do not ignore any topic completely. Even if a topic has not appeared recently, Cambridge can include it at any time. Aim for at least basic competency across the entire syllabus.
The Danger of Over-Reliance on Predictions
A word of caution: some students make the mistake of only revising predicted topics and ignoring everything else. This is a risky strategy for several reasons:
- Cambridge examiners are aware that students try to predict papers, and they occasionally include unexpected questions to reward students who have prepared thoroughly.
- The exam consists of many questions covering many topics. Even if you can perfectly answer the predicted questions, you still need to handle the rest of the paper.
- Mathematical skills are interconnected. Strong algebra supports your geometry, trigonometry, and statistics work. Neglecting one area weakens your overall mathematical ability.
Use predictions as a revision guide, not a revision plan. The students who perform best are those who have a solid understanding across the syllabus with extra polish on the most frequently tested areas.
Practice Questions to Try
To test your readiness on the most predicted topics, try these exercises:
- Solve three pairs of simultaneous equations — one by elimination, one by substitution, and one that requires forming equations from a word problem
- Complete a circle theorem question that requires identifying which theorem to use
- Find the composite function fg(x) and the inverse function f^(-1)(x) for a given function
- Calculate upper and lower bounds for a given calculation
- Write the nth term formula for a quadratic sequence
Summary
The 2026 IGCSE Maths exams will almost certainly feature algebra, trigonometry, statistics, percentages, and mensuration prominently. Circle theorems, functions, vectors, and transformations are also highly likely. Use these predictions to guide your revision priorities, but maintain broad coverage across the syllabus for the best chance of success.
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