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Practice with the Mathematics 2024 IEB Past Test
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Practice with the Mathematics 2024 IEB Past Test

Global Tutors
March 19, 2025

May 2024 IEB Mathematics Exams

IEB Mathematics | Paper 1: Core Algebra, Calculus & ProbabilityIEB Mathematics: Paper 1 marking GuidelinesIEB Mathematics | Paper 2: Functions, Trigonometry & GeometryIEB Mathematics: Paper 2 marking Guidelines

Prepare with the Mathematics 2024 IEB Past Test – with Expert Guidance

The IEB Mathematics May 2024 exams tested a range of skills, from algebra and calculus to trigonometry, geometry, and probability. If you want to boost your confidence and sharpen your problem-solving skills, working through past papers is one of the most effective study strategies.

But let’s be real—maths can be challenging when you’re on your own. That’s why we’ve put together step-by-step guidance from aGlobal Tutors expertto help you tackle these past tests like a pro. Whether you’re preparing for an upcoming test or revising for final exams, this guide will walk you through key strategies to maximise your marks.

To get started, download the past papers and memos, and let’s break them down together.

Mathematics 2024 IEB Past Test

Overall Exam Trends & Difficulty Level

📊 Level of Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

  • The exam required both conceptual understanding and application skills.

  • Questions were structured to test higher-order thinking, particularly in calculus, probability, and geometry proofs.

  • Graphing questions required clear understanding of transformations and asymptotes, while financial maths problems needed careful formula application.

What Set This Exam Apart?

  • Heavy integration of real-world applications, particularly in finance, probability, and trigonometry.

  • A mix of direct problem-solving and proof-based questions in Euclidean geometry and calculus.

  • Expectation of showing full working rather than just giving final answers.

Takeaways for Students

✔️ Master algebra and functions—they appear in multiple sections.
✔️ Practice geometry proofs—understanding circle theorems is essential.
✔️ Work through past papers—this will help with time management and confidence.
✔️ Show all calculations clearly—method marks are crucial for partial credit.

Step 1: Understanding the Structure of the IEB Maths Exam

Before jumping into the questions, it’s essential to understand the format of the exam. The IEB Mathematics 2024 exams consisted of two papers:

    • Paper 1: Covers algebra, equations, calculus, sequences, financial maths, and probability.
    • Paper 2: Focuses on functions, trigonometry, analytical geometry, statistics, and Euclidean geometry.

Each paper is three hours long and worth 150 marks, meaning time management is crucial.

💡 Tutor Tip:Always check how many marks each question is worth—it’s a clue to how much detail you need to show in your answer!

Step 2: Start with the Basics – Algebra & Equations (Paper 1)

Algebra forms the foundation of most questions in Paper 1. You’ll need to be confident in solving quadratic equations, logarithms, exponents, and factorisation techniques.

By breaking it down into smaller steps, you’ll avoid careless mistakes and gain a better understanding of how algebraic equations work.

Step 3: Master Graphs & Functions (Paper 2)

What You’ll Face in the Mathematics 2024 IEB Past Test:

    • Graph transformations (shifts, reflections, inverses)
    • Sketching and analysing asymptotes
    • Logarithmic and exponential functions

Step 4: Conquer Trigonometry & Geometry (Paper 2)

Trigonometry and geometry can feel intimidating, but with the right approach, they become a great way to earn marks.

Key Topics in the Exam:

    • Solving trig equations & using identities
    • Applying the sine and cosine rules
    • Circle theorems & proving quadrilaterals are cyclic

💡Tutor Tip:Exam markers love neat, well-structured proofs. Even if you’re unsure, write down the theorem that seems relevant—you might earn method marks!

Step 5: Nail Financial Maths & Probability (Paper 1)

Financial maths and probability are high-scoring sections if you approach them correctly.

Key Exam Topics:

    • Compound interest & annuities
    • Loan repayments & investments
    • Expected probability & real-life scenarios

💡 Tutor Tip:Always double-check your calculations! A small mistake in interest rates can change the entire answer.

Final overview of the May 2024 IEB Mathematics Exams

These exams assessed a wide range of mathematical concepts, testing both fundamental skills and advanced problem-solving abilities. The papers were structured to challenge students across different levels of complexity, requiring strong algebraic manipulation, geometric reasoning, and analytical thinking.

Mathematics 2024 IEB Past Test Paper 1: Core Algebra, Calculus & Probability

Main Topics Covered:

  • Algebraic equations, logarithms, and exponents
  • Sequences and series (arithmetic & geometric)
  • Differentiation and applications of calculus
  • Financial mathematics (annuities, loan repayments)
  • Probability and combinatorics

Key Observations:

  • A strong emphasis on solving equations with different methods, including logarithmic and quadratic approaches.
  • Sequences and series questions tested formula application and summation techniques.
  • Calculus problems required differentiation from first principles, as well as finding tangents to curves.
  • Probability questions involved expected outcomes, permutations, and real-life applications like roadblocks and dart throwing scenarios.

Mathematics 2024 IEB Past Test Paper 2: Functions, Trigonometry & Geometry

Main Topics Covered:

  • Functions and graphs (transformations, inverses, asymptotes)

  • Trigonometry (identities, equations, and applications)

  • Analytical geometry (equations of circles, tangents, and intersections)

  • Euclidean geometry (theorems, cyclic quadrilaterals, and proportionality)

  • Statistics (box plots, cumulative frequency graphs, and skewness)

Key Observations:

  • Graph sketching and transformations were a critical part of the exam. Students needed to demonstrate function shifts, reflections, and inverse calculations.
  • Trigonometry questions tested students on both basic angle calculations and more advanced proofs using identities.
  • Analytical geometry involved finding equations of tangents, midpoints, and proving relationships in coordinate systems.
  • Euclidean geometry questions were heavily based on circle theorems and similarity, requiring detailed logical proofs.
  • Statistics and probability required understanding of data distributions and outliers, as well as interpreting cumulative frequency graphs.

Looking for More Past Papers?

If you’re serious about improving your IEB Mathematics skills, practising multiple past papers is key! Reviewing previous years’ exams helps you identify patterns, familiarise yourself with common question types, and refine your problem-solving approach.

📌 Check out our resource page

Get Matched with a Global Tutor for Mathematics Success!

Mastering Mathematics 2024 IEB Past Tests isn’t just about memorising formulas—it’s about understanding concepts, developing problem-solving strategies, and practising effectively. With the right approach, you can boost your confidence and improve your results by working through past papers and learning from mistakes.

But let’s be honest—maths can be tough on your own. That’s where a personalised tutor makes all the difference!

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