0580_s26_qp_21 2026 May-June Mathematics 0580 Question Paper 2 Variant 1 · Cambridge CAIE IGCSE

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0580_s26_qp_212026 May-June Mathematics 0580 Question Paper 2 Variant 1

This is the official Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics (0580) Question Paper 2 (Variant 1) from the 2026 May-June examination session. This question paper was sat by Cambridge students worldwide in 2026 and is published by Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE). Use it for timed practice under exam conditions to build familiarity with the question format, mark allocation, and time pressure.

Also referenced as: 0580_s26_qp_21 · 0580/21/m/j/26 qp · 0580/21 May/June 2026 qp

Paper 2: Extended (Short-answer, Non-calculator) This is Paper 2: Extended (Short-answer, Non-calculator), worth 100 marks with a duration of 2h. 23 short-answer questions. No calculator. Must show working for multi-step calculations. Surds and algebraic fractions tested.

To self-assess your performance, use this question paper alongside the corresponding mark scheme (0580_s26_ms_21). Attempt the entire paper under timed conditions before opening the mark scheme — this trains both your subject knowledge and exam technique. Mark each question and record whether marks were lost due to knowledge gaps, method errors, or careless mistakes.

The most effective way to use this Mathematics question paper is to simulate real exam conditions: set a timer for the full duration, work without notes, and write your answers on separate paper. After finishing, mark yourself using the official mark scheme — do not check answers during the paper. This builds exam stamina and reveals your genuine readiness. Repeat this process across 3–5 sessions to identify recurring weak topics in Mathematics (0580).

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Same paper, other years

Mathematics (0580) Question Paper 2 (Variant 1) from other exam sessions — practise the same paper across the years, then check each one against its mark scheme.

Examiner Insights — Paper 2: Extended (Short-answer, Non-calculator)

Based on analysis of 5 official Cambridge documents (2023, 2025)

1

Not showing working — writing only the final answer

When calculations of two or more steps are needed, it is best if each step is shown separately for candidates' checking their own work and for method marks to be awarded.Paper 1, May/June 2023

How to fix: Show every step: formula → substitution → calculation → answer. Even on calculator papers, write the formula used and the values substituted. For quadratic equations, show the full quadratic formula with values — calculator-only answers earn zero method marks.

2

Premature rounding — not keeping 4+ significant figures through working

At least 4 figure accuracy should be used throughout the steps of the method if the final answer is to have 3 significant figure accuracy.Paper 2, March 2023

How to fix: Keep at least 4 significant figures through ALL intermediate steps. Only round the FINAL answer. Use the pi button on your calculator, not 3.14 or 22/7. For time: use exact fractions like 10/3 hours, not 3.33.

3

Using wrong geometric reasoning vocabulary

'Z angles' is not accepted as this is the shape made with the parallel lines and not the proper reason — alternate angles.Paper 1, May/June 2023

How to fix: Learn the exact terms: 'alternate angles' (not Z angles), 'co-interior angles sum to 180°' (not C angles), 'corresponding angles', 'angles in a semicircle = 90°', 'angle at centre = 2× angle at circumference', 'opposite angles of cyclic quadrilateral sum to 180°', 'tangent perpendicular to radius'.

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Mathematics Exam Guide: How to Score Higher

Top mistakes, scoring patterns & answer frameworks from 5 official Cambridge documents