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Producing answers from a calculator with no algebraic working
“it was clear that some candidates made use of a permissible calculator with no justification as to where their answers came from. Answers with insufficient working, as per the rubric on the front of the paper will score no marks.”— 4PM1 Paper 1, June 2023
How to fix: A graphical or scientific calculator is permitted as a checking tool, not as a solution engine. Every method mark requires visible algebra: write the formula you are using, substitute values, and show every rearrangement step. The mark scheme awards method marks independently of the final answer — you can earn 3 out of 5 marks even with a wrong answer if your working is shown. An answer alone, however correct, earns zero on any multi-mark question.