4024_s26_ms_22 2026 May-June Mathematics D 4024 Mark Scheme 2 Variant 2 · Cambridge CAIE O Level

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4024_s26_ms_222026 May-June Mathematics D 4024 Mark Scheme 2 Variant 2

This is the official Cambridge mark scheme for Mathematics D (4024) Mark Scheme 2 (Variant 2) from the 2026 May-June session. Mark schemes show exactly how each mark is awarded, including acceptable alternative answers, required key terms, and common errors that lose marks. Cambridge mark schemes use notation like "allow," "accept," and "do not credit" to define the boundary between full marks and zero.

Also referenced as: 4024_s26_ms_22 · 4024/22/m/j/26 ms · 4024/22 May/June 2026 ms

Paper 2: Calculator This is Paper 2: Calculator, worth 100 marks with a duration of 2h. Calculator allowed. Under the 2025 syllabus, the paper mixes shorter single-step questions with multi-part structured questions covering the full syllabus, including 'show that' tasks. Give non-exact answers to 3 significant figures (or 1 decimal place for angles in degrees) unless told otherwise.

This mark scheme corresponds to 4024_s26_qp_22. For maximum revision benefit, attempt the question paper under strict exam conditions first, then use this mark scheme to self-assess. Pay attention to the marking notation: "allow" means an alternative is accepted, "do not credit" means a specific phrasing is rejected even if technically correct, and "ORA" (or reverse argument) means the mark can also be earned with the opposite reasoning.

Cambridge mark schemes reward precise language. For Mathematics D (4024), look for keywords the examiner requires — definitions must include specific terms (e.g., "per unit mass," "resultant"), and calculations must show working even if the final answer is correct. Understanding mark scheme conventions helps you write answers that hit every marking point, not just the general idea.

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Same paper, other years

Mathematics D (4024) Mark Scheme 2 (Variant 2) from other exam sessions — practise the same paper across the years, then check each one against its mark scheme.

Examiner Insights — Paper 2: Calculator

Based on analysis of 4 official Cambridge documents (2023, 2024, 2025)

1

Show-that questions — circular arguments, skipping bracket expansion

In 'show that' questions, candidates frequently used circular reasoning by starting from the given answer and working backwards, or skipped essential algebraic steps such as expanding brackets.4024 Paper 2, May/June 2023

How to fix: In 'show that' questions, you must start from what is given in the problem and work FORWARDS to reach the stated answer. Never start from the answer. Show every algebraic step — expand every bracket, collect every like term. The examiner needs to see the complete logical chain.

5

Time format errors — 3.6 hours written as 3h 6min instead of 3h 36min

Candidates incorrectly converted decimal hours to hours and minutes, writing 3.6 hours as 3 hours 6 minutes rather than the correct 3 hours 36 minutes.4024 Paper 2, May/June 2023

How to fix: Decimal hours are NOT the same as hours and minutes. 0.6 hours = 0.6 × 60 = 36 minutes, NOT 6 minutes. Always multiply the decimal part by 60 to convert to minutes. Check: 3.5 hours = 3h 30min (not 3h 50min). 2.75 hours = 2h 45min (not 2h 75min).

7

Upper/lower bounds — using wrong combination for maximum/minimum

Candidates often used incorrect combinations of upper and lower bounds when calculating maximum or minimum values of compound expressions.4024 Paper 2, May/June 2023

How to fix: For maximum value: use upper bounds in the numerator and lower bounds in the denominator. For minimum value: use lower bounds in the numerator and upper bounds in the denominator. For subtraction: max(a - b) = upper(a) - lower(b). Think about what makes the answer as big or as small as possible.

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All Mathematics D (4024) Papers — 2026 May-June

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More Mathematics D (4024) Past Papers

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Mathematics D Exam Guide: How to Score Higher

Top mistakes, scoring patterns & answer frameworks from 4 official Cambridge documents