Calculator Instructions Guidance for Pearson Edexcel AS/A level Mathematics

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by nayy☆

Guidance explains how Pearson Edexcel AS/A level Mathematics candidates may use calculators in exam questions. It clarifies two key instruction types: when “all stages” of working must be shown, and when calculator-only methods are not acceptable. The text defines what counts as acceptable calculator assistance (e.g., evaluating expressions, roots, inverse trigonometry, logs) and gives non-acceptable examples such as using graphical tools or calculator methods to solve integrals, derivatives, or cubic equations. Worked examples illustrate full-mark reasoning versus calculator-only approaches.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages11

Reading Time28 min

AccessFree to download

When calculators may be used

“In this question you must show all stages of your working”

“Solutions relying entirely on calculator technology are not acceptable”

Acceptable vs non-acceptable calculator use

Worked examples and mark outcomes

Calculator Instructions Guidance for Pearson Edexcel AS/A level Mathematics In order to help students know when, and to what extent they are allowed to use their calculators, some questions start with the instruction: In this question you must show all stages of your working. followed by either Solutions relying entirely on calculator technology are not acceptable. or Solutions relying on calculator technology are not acceptable. What does each statement mean? Solutions relying entirely on calculator technology are not acceptable. This statement tells candidates that they can use their calculator to assist them with the processing of their solution. This means that calculators may be used in this question, but not to solve the problem. Examples of acceptable calculator use may include: • evaluation of a numerical expression • ﬁnding the square root of a number • inverse trigonometry calculations • evaluating logs Examples where solutions would not be accepted include: • using graphical technology to solve a problem, for example ﬁnding the point of intersection of two lines • using calculator technology to integrate or diﬀerentiate • using calculator technology to solve cubic equations Solutions relying on calculator technology are not acceptable. This statement informs candidates that they cannot use their calculator to help them answer the question i.e. candidates must show all workings and calculations. Examples of questions of this type may include: • solving quadratic equations and inequalities • ﬁnding exact solutions to trigonometric equations • factorising and solving cubic equations • solving equations involving surds and indices Examples of ‘Solutions relying entirely on calculator technology are not acceptable.’ Example 1: 9MA0-02 Summer 2022 Question 1 It is possible to solve this question on a calculator to give the correct ﬁnal answer with no workings. However, as the instruction states: Solutions relying entirely on calculator technology are not acceptable. candidates must show their workings how they solved the problem. Example 2: 9MA0-01 Summer 2022 Question 14 It is possible to solve part (b) on a calculator to give the correct ﬁnal answer with no workings. However, as the instruction states: Solutions relying entirely on calculator technology are not acceptable. candidates must show their workings on how they solved the problem. Example of a solution scoring full marks 2 sin 2 θ = cos(2θ+ 30) 2 θ = x − 60 2 θ + 60 = x tan x = 33 tan(2θ+ 60) = 33 B1: Deduces that x = 2θ + 60 Let X = 2 θ + 60 tan X = 33 X = [79.109..](79.109..). and X = 180 + [79.109..](79.109..). X = 259.106... M1: Correct method to ﬁnd one of 79 . 1°, 259. 1°,…. A calculator can be used here as calculators can assist with the processing of solutions, but not to solve the problem. X = 2 θ + 60 θ = X − 60 2 θ = [79.109..](79.109..). − 60 2 θ = 9.6° and θ = 259.106... − 60 2 θ = 99.6° Example of a solution relying entirely on calculator technology 2 sin 2 θ = cos(2θ+ 30) Using solver with x = 0 θ = 9.6° Using solver with x = 100 θ = 99.6° B0: No attempt to deduce that x = 2θ + 60 M0: No attempt to use non calculator technology methods to solve the equation. dM0: No attempt to use non calculator technology methods to solve for θ A0: This mark cannot be scored as the previous Method mark has not been awarded Examples of ‘Solutions relying on calculator technology are not acceptable.’ Example 3: 8MA0-01June 2023 Question 15(b) It is possible to solve part (b) on a calculator to give the correct ﬁnal answer with minimal workings. However, as the instruction states: Solutions relying on calculator technology are not acceptable. candidates must show their complete workings to the problem as credit will not be awarded for any calculations carried out on a calculator without full workings. Example of a solution scoring f

FAQs

What does “In this question you must show all stages of your working” require?

Candidates must show the full method and calculations. Calculator results alone are not sufficient without complete working.

What does “Solutions relying entirely on calculator technology are not acceptable” mean?

Candidates cannot use the calculator to determine the answer. They must use non-calculator methods and provide workings showing how the solution was obtained.

Which calculator uses are given as acceptable examples?

Acceptable examples include evaluating numerical expressions, finding square roots, performing inverse trigonometry calculations, and evaluating logarithms.

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by nayy☆