Edexcel-Style Year 10 Higher Paper 1
An Edexcel-style Year 10 Higher Paper 1: 80 marks, 90 minutes, non-calculator, matching Edexcel 1MA1's published paper format. Covers the same nine Year 10 topics as the board-agnostic set: number and calculation, fractions, decimals and percentages, ratio and proportion, indices and standard form, linear algebra, graphs and coordinates, sequences, angles and geometrical reasoning, and area, volume and measures.
Year 10 here means a typical teaching order, not a syllabus rule. No exam board defines what belongs to Year 10, and schools sequence the course differently. Check it against your own scheme of work before using it to decide what a class has covered.
Questions
Question 1 [1 marks]
Area, Volume and Measures
The diagram shows a circle with centre O. Points A and B lie on the circumference. Radii OA and OB are drawn, and the minor arc AB is marked. The region enclosed by OA, OB and the arc AB is shaded.
Question 2 [1 marks]
Ratio and Proportion
Simplify the ratio 35:14.
Question 3 [1 marks]
Indices and Standard Form
Write the number 68000 in standard form.
Question 4 [1 marks]
Graphs and Coordinates
Find the gradient of the straight line joining the points (2, 3) and (5, 12).
Question 5 [2 marks]
Fractions, Decimals and Percentages
Convert 0.2222... (2 recurring) to a fraction in its simplest form.
Question 6 [1 marks]
Graphs and Coordinates
Plot the point with coordinates (3, -2) on a pair of axes.
Question 7 [2 marks]
Number and Calculation
Find the LCM of 6, 8 and 10.
Question 8 [2 marks]
Linear Algebra
Solve 5x - 7 = 18
Question 9 [2 marks]
Ratio and Proportion
Simplify the ratio 900 m : 2 km, giving your answer in its simplest form.
Question 10 [2 marks]
Angles and Geometrical Reasoning
Work out the value of x.
Question 11 [2 marks]
Linear Algebra
Expand and simplify (x + 6)(x + 4)
Question 12 [2 marks]
Angles and Geometrical Reasoning
A regular polygon has 30 sides. Work out the size of each exterior angle.
Question 13 [3 marks]
Sequences
The sequence 5, 11, 19, 29, 41,... is generated by a quadratic rule. Show that the nth term is n^2 + 3n + 1.
Question 14 [3 marks]
Linear Algebra
Write (x + 1)/3 - (x - 2)/5 as a single fraction in its simplest form.
Question 15 [3 marks]
Angles and Geometrical Reasoning
Describe the locus of points that are 4 cm from point P(0, 0) and also 3 cm from the line y = 5. In your answer, state the geometric place for each locus and then state how many intersection points there can be between them.
Question 16 [4 marks]
Graphs and Coordinates
A line has equation 4x + 2y = 10.
Rearrange the equation into the form y = mx + c.
State the gradient of a line that is parallel to this line.
State the gradient of a line that is perpendicular to this line.
Question 17 [3 marks]
Linear Algebra
Solve 6(2x - 1) - 4(x - 3) = 22 Show your working.
Question 18 [4 marks]
Fractions, Decimals and Percentages
A dripping tap loses water at a constant rate of 5/18 of a litre every minute.
Convert 5/18 to a decimal, stating clearly which digit(s) recur.
Hence work out, in litres correct to 3 decimal places, how much water the tap loses in exactly 12 minutes.
Question 19 [3 marks]
Linear Algebra
P = 2x^2 - 3x + 1. Work out the value of P when x = -4, showing your working.
Question 20 [4 marks]
Graphs and Coordinates
The circle x^2 + y^2 = 100 has a point A with x-coordinate 8 and y positive. (a) Find the equation of the tangent at A. (b) Find the coordinates of the point where this tangent meets the line y = 2x - 5.
Find the coordinates of the intersection point of the tangent and the line y = 2x - 5.
Question 21 [6 marks]
Indices and Standard Form
Simplify each expression fully.
(8x^6)^(1/3)
(9x^4)^(1/2)
(x^3)^-2 * x^4
Question 22 [2 marks]
Linear Algebra
Prove algebraically that the product of any two even numbers is always a multiple of 4.
Question 23 [3 marks]
Angles and Geometrical Reasoning
A student called Aaliyah enlarges a triangle with vertices (2, 0), (4, 0) and (2, 3) by scale factor -2, centre the origin O. Aaliyah's image has vertices (4, 0), (8, 0) and (4, 6).
Explain the error Aaliyah has made.
Write down the correct coordinates of the image vertices.
Question 24 [5 marks]
Ratio and Proportion
A coffee roastery blends Colombian and Kenyan beans. In Batch A the beans are blended in the ratio 7:3 (Colombian : Kenyan). Batch B is made using 630 g of Colombian beans and 260 g of Kenyan beans. Determine, showing your working, whether Batch B has been blended in the same ratio as Batch A.
Question 25 [4 marks]
Linear Algebra
Show that 3/(x - 1) + 4/(x + 2) = (7x + 2)/[(x - 1)(x + 2)], stating any value(s) of x for which the expression is not defined.
Question 26 [5 marks]
Graphs and Coordinates
Line L1 has equation kx + 3y = 12. Line L2 has equation 2x - y = 7. Given that L1 is perpendicular to L2, find the value of k.
Question 27 [4 marks]
Linear Algebra
Simplify fully [1/(x + 2) - 1/(x - 2)] divided by [1/(x + 2) + 1/(x - 2)]
Question 28 [5 marks]
Graphs and Coordinates
A circle has centre O(0, 0) and passes through the point P(6, 8). Find the equation of the tangent to the circle at the point P. Give your answer in the form y = mx + c.
Model solutions
| Question 1[1 mark] | |
|---|---|
| Answer or working | Marks |
| B (Sector) | B1 |
| Final answer: B | |
| Question 2[1 mark] | |
|---|---|
| Answer or working | Marks |
| 5:2 | B1cao |
| Question 3[1 mark] | |
|---|---|
| Answer or working | Marks |
| 6.8 x 10^4 | B1oe |
| Question 4[1 mark] | |
|---|---|
| Answer or working | Marks |
| 3 | B1cao |
| Question 5[2 marks] | |
|---|---|
| Answer or working | Marks |
| x = 0.2222... and 10x = 2.2222... written (or equivalent valid method) | M1 |
| 2/9 | A1cao |
| Question 6[1 mark] | |
|---|---|
| Answer or working | Marks |
| point plotted at (3, -2) within tolerance (correct quadrant and position) | B1oe |
| Final answer: (3, -2) | |
| Question 7[2 marks] | |
|---|---|
| Answer or working | Marks |
| 6 = 2 x 3, 8 = 2^3 and 10 = 2 x 5 all shown | M1 |
| 120 | A1cao |
| Question 8[2 marks] | |
|---|---|
| Answer or working | Marks |
| 5x = 25 | M1oe |
| x = 5 | A1cao |
| Question 9[2 marks] | |
|---|---|
| Answer or working | Marks |
| convert 2 km to 2000 m | M1oe |
| 9:20 | A1cao |
| Question 10[2 marks] | |
|---|---|
| Answer or working | Marks |
| 3x + 5 = 65 oe (corresponding angles are equal) | M1 |
| x = 20 | A1cao |
| Question 11[2 marks] | |
|---|---|
| Answer or working | Marks |
| x^2 + 4x + 6x + 24, or at least 3 of the 4 terms correct | M1oe |
| x^2 + 10x + 24 | A1cao |
| Question 12[2 marks] | |
|---|---|
| Answer or working | Marks |
| 360 / 30 soi | M1 |
| 12 (degrees) | A1cao |
| Final answer: 12 degrees | |
| Question 13[3 marks] | |
|---|---|
| Answer or working | Marks |
| second difference = 2 so a = 1 (2a = 2) | M1oe |
| use n = 1 and n = 2 to find b and c (1 + b + c = 5 and 4 + 2b + c = 11) | M1oe |
| nth term = n^2 + 3n + 1 cao | A1cso |
| Final answer: n^2 + 3n + 1 | |
| Question 14[3 marks] | |
|---|---|
| Answer or working | Marks |
| common denominator 15 used | M1 |
| numerator 5(x + 1) - 3(x - 2) formed and expanded | M1 |
| (2x + 11)/15 oe | A1cao |
| Final answer: (2x + 11)/15 | |
| Question 15[3 marks] | |
|---|---|
| Answer or working | Marks |
| identify locus 1 as a circle centre (0,0) radius 4 and locus 2 as the two lines parallel to y = 5 at distance 3 (y = 8 and y = 2) | M1 |
| state that a circle and a horizontal line can intersect in 0, 1 or 2 points | M1 |
| conclusion: there can be up to 2 intersection points | A1cao |
| Final answer: Locus 1: a circle centre (0,0) radius 4 cm. Locus 2: the set of points 3 cm from the line y = 5 are the two lines y = 8 and y = 2. A horizontal line and a circle can meet in 0, 1 or 2 points, so there can be up to 2 intersection points in total. | |
| Question 16[4 marks] | |
|---|---|
| Answer or working | Marks |
| 2y = -4x + 10 | M1oe |
| y = -2x + 5 | A1 |
| -2 ft from part (a) | B1 |
| 1/2 ft from part (a) | B1 |
| Final answer: y = -2x + 5 | -2 | 1/2 | |
| Question 17[3 marks] | |
|---|---|
| Answer or working | Marks |
| 12x - 6 - 4x + 12 = 22 (expand both brackets correctly, with correct signs) | M1 |
| 8x + 6 = 22 (dep, simplify the left-hand side) | dM1 |
| x = 2 | A1cao |
| Question 18[4 marks] | |
|---|---|
| Answer or working | Marks |
| 0.27777... seen (or awrt 0.2778) | B1 |
| correctly states that only the digit 7 recurs (not the 2) | B1oe |
| 12 x 5/18 oe, or 10/3 seen | M1 |
| awrt 3.333 litres | A1cao |
| Final answer: See individual parts above. | |
| Question 19[3 marks] | |
|---|---|
| Answer or working | Marks |
| 2 x (-4)^2 (= 32) seen | M1oe |
| -3 x (-4) (= 12) seen, correctly signed | dM1 |
| 45 | A1cao |
| Question 20[4 marks] | |
|---|---|
| Answer or working | Marks |
| find y: y^2 = 100 - 64 so y = 6 and slope -x/y = -8/6 = -4/3 | M1oe |
| y = -4/3 x + 50/3 | A1cao |
| solve -4/3 x + 50/3 = 2x - 5 | M1oe |
| intersection (13/2, 8) | A1cao |
| Final answer: y = -4/3 x + 50/3 | (13/2, 8) | |
| Question 21[6 marks] | |
|---|---|
| Answer or working | Marks |
| 8^(1/3) = 2 and x^6 raised to power 1/3 gives x^2, both found | M1 |
| 2x^2 | A1cao |
| 9^(1/2) = 3 and x^4 raised to power 1/2 gives x^2, both found | M1 |
| 3x^2 | A1cao |
| (x^3)^-2 = x^-6 found | M1 |
| 1/x^2 oe (x^-2) | A1 |
| Final answer: 2x^2 | 3x^2 | x^-2 (= 1/x^2) | |
| Question 22[2 marks] | |
|---|---|
| Answer or working | Marks |
| Even numbers written as 2n and 2m, product formed as 2n x 2m = 4nm | M1oe |
| Conclusion that 4nm is a multiple of 4 for integers n and m | A1cso |
| Final answer: 2n x 2m = 4nm, which is a multiple of 4 for all integers n and m. | |
| Question 23[3 marks] | |
|---|---|
| Answer or working | Marks |
| states Aaliyah has used scale factor +2 (ignored the negative sign), placing the image on the same side as the object instead of the opposite side | B1oe |
| multiplies each vertex by -2 | M1 |
| (-4,0), (-8,0) and (-4,-6) all correct | A1cao |
| Final answer: Aaliyah used scale factor +2 instead of -2, so her image is on the same side of the centre as the object instead of the opposite side. | (-4, 0), (-8, 0) and (-4, -6) | |
| Question 24[5 marks] | |
|---|---|
| Answer or working | Marks |
| find the scale factor for Batch A's ratio using the Colombian mass, 630/7=90 | M1oe |
| use the scale factor to find the Kenyan mass Batch A's ratio requires, 3x90 | M1oe |
| 270 g | A1cao |
| compare 270 g with Batch B's actual 260 g of Kenyan beans | M1 |
| correct conclusion with valid reason, e.g. 'No - Batch B is not blended in the same ratio; it has less Kenyan beans (260 g) than the 270 g Batch A's ratio requires, so Batch B is relatively more Colombian' oe | A1cao |
| Final answer: No - Batch B is not in the same ratio as Batch A (Batch B has relatively more Colombian beans). | |
| Question 25[4 marks] | |
|---|---|
| Answer or working | Marks |
| common denominator (x - 1)(x + 2) used | M1 |
| numerator 3(x + 2) + 4(x - 1) expanded correctly | M1 |
| (7x + 2)/[(x - 1)(x + 2)] cso, answer printed | A1 |
| states x not equal to 1 and x not equal to -2 | B1 |
| Final answer: (7x + 2)/[(x - 1)(x + 2)] (shown); x not equal to 1 or -2 | |
| Question 26[5 marks] | |
|---|---|
| Answer or working | Marks |
| rearrange L2 to y = 2x - 7 oe, gradient of L2 = 2 identified | M1 |
| rearrange L1 to y = -k/3 x + 4 | M1oe |
| perpendicular condition set up: (-k/3) x 2 = -1 | M1oe |
| -2k/3 = -1 solved to 2k = 3 | M1oe |
| k = 3/2 oe (1.5) | A1cao |
| Final answer: k = 3/2 | |
| Question 27[4 marks] | |
|---|---|
| Answer or working | Marks |
| combines the numerator over a common denominator (x + 2)(x - 2) to get -4/(x^2 - 4) | M1 |
| combines the denominator over a common denominator (x + 2)(x - 2) to get 2x/(x^2 - 4) | M1 |
| divides the two fractions (multiplies by the reciprocal), cancelling (x^2 - 4) | M1 |
| -2/x oe | A1cao |
| Final answer: -2/x | |
| Question 28[5 marks] | |
|---|---|
| Answer or working | Marks |
| gradient of OP = (8 - 0) / (6 - 0) | M1oe |
| gradient of OP = 4/3 | A1 |
| tangent gradient = -3/4 identified (radius is perpendicular to tangent) | M1 |
| 8 = -3/4 (6) + c oe substituted | M1 |
| y = -3/4 x + 25/2 oe cao (accept y = -0.75x + 12.5) | A1 |
| Final answer: y = -3/4 x + 25/2 (y = -0.75x + 12.5) | |