Cambridge A Level Mathematics - Further 9231 — 2025 May/June Paper 1 · Variant 4

9231/14/M/J/25 · 75 marks · ≈84 min

The question paper and its mark scheme, free to read here and free to download. This is Cambridge’s own paper, exactly as it was sat.

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Question paper16 pages

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Mark scheme18 pages

Answers below. Sit the paper first if you are practising.

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Paper as text

Question paper, page 1

This document has 16 pages. Cambridge International AS & A Level FURTHER MATHEMATICS 9231/14 Paper 1 Further Pure Mathematics 1 May/June 2025 2 hours You must answer on the question paper. You will need: List of formulae (MF19) INSTRUCTIONS ● Answer all questions. ● Use a black or dark blue pen. You may use an HB pencil for any diagrams or graphs. ● Write your name, centre number and candidate number in the boxes at the top of the page. ● Write your answer to each question in the space provided. ● Do not use an erasable pen or correction fluid. ● Do not write on any bar codes. ● If additional space is needed, you should use the lined page at the end of this booklet; the question number or numbers must be clearly shown. ● You should use a calculator where appropriate. ● You must show all necessary working clearly; no marks will be given for unsupported answers from a calculator. ● Give non-exact numerical answers correct to 3 significant figures, or 1 decimal place for angles in degrees, unless a different level of accuracy is specified in the question. INFORMATION ● The total mark for this paper is 75. ● The number of marks for each question or part question is shown in brackets [ ]. * 9 5 2 4 2 4 1 5 6 9 * DC (CJ) 357832 © UCLES 2025 [Turn over , , * 0000800000001 * ¬OŠ. 4mHuOªEŠ]|5€W ¬¢™rUª œhz|£‰Œ^Js‚ ¥u5•5u¥•E • E5E• U

Question paper, page 2

2 9231/14/M/J/25 © UCLES 2025 1 (a) Use the List of formulae (MF19) to find ( ) r 2 1 r n 1 + =/ in terms of n, simplifying your answer. [2] … … … … … … … … … … … … … (b) Show that ( )( ) r r r r r r r 1 2 2 2 1 1 2 2 1 1 2 2 2 2 + + + + = - + + + . [1] … … … … … … … … … … … … … * 0000800000002 * , , ĬÍĊ®Ġ´íÈõÏĪÅĊàú·þ× ĬĢěñØĞāîÏćþ±òĎòûĂ ĥååĕõĕåõõÅÅÅÅõåÕåÕ DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN

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3 9231/14/M/J/25 © UCLES 2025 [Turn over (c) Use the method of differences to find ( )( ) r r r r 1 2 2 2 1 r n 2 2 1 + + + + =/ . [2] … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … (d) Deduce the value of ( )( ) r r r r 1 2 2 2 1 r 1 2 2 + + + + 3 =/ . [1] … * 0000800000003 * , , ĬÏĊ®Ġ´íÈõÏĪÅĊàü·þ× ĬĢĜòÐĬýþêñóÉĥĊÊòċĂ ĥåÕÕµõÅĕĥµĕÅÅĕÅĕµÕ DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN

Question paper, page 4

4 9231/14/M/J/25 © UCLES 2025 2 Prove by mathematical induction that, for every integer n 2 H , ( ) ( ) ( )! d d ln x x x n x 1 2 n n n n 1 = - - - . [6] … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … * 0000800000004 * , , ĬÍĊ®Ġ´íÈõÏĪÅĊÞú·Ā× ĬĢĜóÐĢïċÍïüÂÇæĬĢóĂ ĥĕąÕõõŵąĕĥÅąĕĥĕåÕ DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN

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5 9231/14/M/J/25 © UCLES 2025 [Turn over … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … * 0000800000005 * , , ĬÏĊ®Ġ´íÈõÏĪÅĊÞü·Ā× ĬĢěôØĨóûìĉąćēΰĢăĂ ĥĕõĕµĕåÕĕĥµÅąõąÕµÕ DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN

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6 9231/14/M/J/25 © UCLES 2025 3 The points A, B and C have position vectors j k 2 3 + , i j k 5 3 - + + and i j k 2 5 + + respectively, relative to the origin O. (a) Find the equation of the plane ABC, giving your answer in the form ax by cz d + + = . [5] … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … (b) Find the perpendicular distance from O to the plane ABC. [2] … … … … … … * 0000800000006 * , , ĬÑĊ®Ġ´íÈõÏĪÅĊßü¶þ× ĬĢĜôÛĞěñäþøîóæÍÊóĂ ĥÅÕĕµµåõÕąĕÅÅõåĕĥÕ DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN

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7 9231/14/M/J/25 © UCLES 2025 [Turn over (c) Find the acute angle between the line OA and the plane ABC. [3] … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … * 0000800000007 * , , ĬÓĊ®Ġ´íÈõÏĪÅĊßú¶þ× ĬĢěóÓĬėāÕüĉ»çÎĉÊăĂ ĥÅåÕõÕÅĕÅõÅÅÅĕÅÕõÕ DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN

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8 9231/14/M/J/25 © UCLES 2025 4 The cubic equation x bx cx 1 0 3 2 + + - = , where b and c are constants, has roots a, b, c. It is given that the matrix 1 1 1 a b a c b c f p is singular. (a) Show that 3 2 2 2 a b c + + = . [4] … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … * 0000800000008 * ,  , ĬÑĊ®Ġ´íÈõÏĪÅĊÝü¶Ā× ĬĢěòÓĢĥĈâöĂ´ąòëÚûĂ ĥõõÕµÕŵåÕµÅąĕĥÕĥÕ DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN

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9 9231/14/M/J/25 © UCLES 2025 [Turn over (b) It is given that 3 3 3 3 a b c + + = and that the constants b and c are positive. Find the values of b and c. [6] … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … * 0000800000009 * ,  , ĬÓĊ®Ġ´íÈõÏĪÅĊÝú¶Ā× ĬĢĜñÛĨĩø×ĄïõÑĊïÚċĂ ĥõąĕõµåÕµåĥÅąõąĕõÕ DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN

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10 9231/14/M/J/25 © UCLES 2025 5 The matrix M represents a sequence of two transformations in the x-y plane given by a one-way stretch in the x-direction, scale factor 3, followed by a reflection in the line y x = . (a) Find M. [3] … … … … … … … (b) Give full details of the geometrical transformation in the x-y plane represented by M 1 - . [3] … … … … … The matrix N is such that MN 1 3 2 2 = e o. (c) Find N. [3] … … … … … … … … … … … * 0000800000010 * , , ĬÑĊ®Ġ´íÈõÏĪÅĊàü¸þ× ĬĢĚòÚĤĝĒàíĉĚĩô¿ĢăĂ ĥåĕĕµÕĥµąĥµąąµĥÕÕÕ DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN

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11 9231/14/M/J/25 © UCLES 2025 [Turn over (d) Find the equations of the invariant lines, through the origin, of the transformation in the x-y plane represented by MN. [5] … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … * 0000800000011 * , , ĬÓĊ®Ġ´íÈõÏĪÅĊàú¸þ× ĬĢęñÒĦġĢÙċøÏ­ČěĢóĂ ĥåĥÕõµąÕĕĕĥąąÕąĕÅÕ DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN

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12 9231/14/M/J/25 © UCLES 2025 6 The curve C has polar equation tan r a 1 8 i = b l, where a is a positive constant and r 0 2 G G i . (a) Sketch C and state, in terms of a, the greatest distance of a point on C from the pole. [3] … (b) Find, in terms of a, the area of the region bounded by C and the initial line. [4] … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … * 0000800000012 * , , ĬÑĊ®Ġ´íÈõÏĪÅĊÞü¸Ā× ĬĢęôÒĠēħÞąïØďè¹òċĂ ĥĕµÕµµąõõµĕąÅÕåĕÕÕ DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN

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13 9231/14/M/J/25 © UCLES 2025 [Turn over (c) Show that, at the point on C furthest from the initial line, sin cos sin 4 0 4 1 i i i + = b l and verify that this equation has a root between 4.95 and 5. [6] … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … * 0000800000013 * , , ĬÓĊ®Ġ´íÈõÏĪÅĊÞú¸Ā× ĬĢĚóÚĪďėÛóĂđËÐĝòûĂ ĥĕÅĕõÕĥĕĥÅÅąÅµÅÕÅÕ DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN

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14 9231/14/M/J/25 © UCLES 2025 7 The curve C has equation y x x x x 2 4 2 2 = + + + - . (a) State the equation of the asymptote of C. [1] … (b) Show that, for all real values of x, y 1 7 17 1 G - . [4] … … … … … … … … … … … (c) Find the coordinates of any stationary points of C. [3] … … … … … … … … … … … … * 0000800000014 * , , ĬÍĊ®Ġ´íÈõÏĪÅĊÝùµĂ× ĬĢęñÛĨĤğéõą®ħąĩÂóĂ ĥµÅÕµµåµąÕÅÅąõĥĕĕÕ DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN

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15 9231/14/M/J/25 © UCLES 2025 (d) Sketch C, stating the coordinates of the intersections with the axes. [3] (e) Sketch the graph with equation y x x x x 2 4 2 2 = + + + - and find the set of values of x for which x x x x 2 4 2 2 2 1 1 + + + - - . [5] … … … … … … * 0000800000015 * , , ĬÏĊ®Ġ´íÈõÏĪÅĊÝûµĂ× ĬĢĚòÓĢĠďÐăüû³í­ÂăĂ ĥµµĕõÕÅÕĕåĕÅąĕąÕąÕ DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN

Question paper, page 16

16 9231/14/M/J/25 © UCLES 2025 Permission to reproduce items where third-party owned material protected by copyright is included has been sought and cleared where possible. Every reasonable effort has been made by the publisher (UCLES) to trace copyright holders, but if any items requiring clearance have unwittingly been included, the publisher will be pleased to make amends at the earliest possible opportunity. To avoid the issue of disclosure of answer-related information to candidates, all copyright acknowledgements are reproduced online in the Cambridge Assessment International Education Copyright Acknowledgements Booklet. This is produced for each series of examinations and is freely available to download at www.cambridgeinternational.org after the live examination series. Cambridge Assessment International Education is part of Cambridge Assessment. Cambridge Assessment is the brand name of the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES), which is a department of the University of Cambridge. Additional page If you use the following lined page to complete the answer(s) to any question(s), the question number(s) must be clearly shown. … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … * 0000800000016 * , , ĬÍĊ®Ġ´íÈõÏĪÅĊßùµĄ× ĬĢĚóÓĬĎĚëýóôđÑďÒûĂ ĥąĥĕµÕÅõõąĥÅÅĕåÕĕÕ DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN DO NOT WRITE IN THIS MARGIN

Mark scheme, page 1

This document consists of 18 printed pages. © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 [Turn over Cambridge International AS & A Level FURTHER MATHEMATICS 9231/14 Paper 1 Further Pure Mathematics 1 May/June 2025 MARK SCHEME Maximum Mark: 75 Published This mark scheme is published as an aid to teachers and candidates, to indicate the requirements of the examination. It shows the basis on which Examiners were instructed to award marks. It does not indicate the details of the discussions that took place at an Examiners’ meeting before marking began, which would have considered the acceptability of alternative answers. Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the question paper and the Principal Examiner Report for Teachers. Cambridge International will not enter into discussions about these mark schemes. Cambridge International is publishing the mark schemes for the May/June 2025 series for most Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International A and AS Level components, and some Cambridge O Level components.

Mark scheme, page 2

9231/14 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED May/June 2025 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 2 of 18 Generic Marking Principles These general marking principles must be applied by all examiners when marking candidate answers. They should be applied alongside the specific content of the mark scheme or generic level descriptions for a question. Each question paper and mark scheme will also comply with these marking principles. GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 1: Marks must be awarded in line with: • the specific content of the mark scheme or the generic level descriptors for the question • the specific skills defined in the mark scheme or in the generic level descriptors for the question • the standard of response required by a candidate as exemplified by the standardisation scripts. GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 2: Marks awarded are always whole marks (not half marks, or other fractions). GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 3: Marks must be awarded positively: • marks are awarded for correct/valid answers, as defined in the mark scheme. However, credit is given for valid answers which go beyond the scope of the syllabus and mark scheme, referring to your Team Leader as appropriate • marks are awarded when candidates clearly demonstrate what they know and can do • marks are not deducted for errors • marks are not deducted for omissions • answers should only be judged on the quality of spelling, punctuation and grammar when these features are specifically assessed by the question as indicated by the mark scheme. The meaning, however, should be unambiguous. GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 4: Rules must be applied consistently, e.g. in situations where candidates have not followed instructions or in the application of generic level descriptors. GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 5: Marks should be awarded using the full range of marks defined in the mark scheme for the question (however; the use of the full mark range may be limited according to the quality of the candidate responses seen). GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 6: Marks awarded are based solely on the requirements as defined in the mark scheme. Marks should not be awarded with grade thresholds or grade descriptors in mind.

Mark scheme, page 3

9231/14 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED May/June 2025 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 3 of 18 Mathematics-Specific Marking Principles 1 Unless a particular method has been specified in the question, full marks may be awarded for any correct method. However, if a calculation is required then no marks will be awarded for a scale drawing. 2 Unless specified in the question, non-integer answers may be given as fractions, decimals or in standard form. Ignore superfluous zeros, provided that the degree of accuracy is not affected. 3 Allow alternative conventions for notation if used consistently throughout the paper, e.g. commas being used as decimal points. 4 Unless otherwise indicated, marks once gained cannot subsequently be lost, e.g. wrong working following a correct form of answer is ignored (isw). 5 Where a candidate has misread a number or sign in the question and used that value consistently throughout, provided that number does not alter the difficulty or the method required, award all marks earned and deduct just 1 A or B mark for the misread. 6 Recovery within working is allowed, e.g. a notation error in the working where the following line of working makes the candidate’s intent clear.

Mark scheme, page 4

9231/14 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED May/June 2025 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 4 of 18 Annotations guidance for centres Examiners use a system of annotations as a shorthand for communicating their marking decisions to one another. Examiners are trained during the standardisation process on how and when to use annotations. The purpose of annotations is to inform the standardisation and monitoring processes and guide the supervising examiners when they are checking the work of examiners within their team. The meaning of annotations and how they are used is specific to each component and is understood by all examiners who mark the component. We publish annotations in our mark schemes to help centres understand the annotations they may see on copies of scripts. Note that there may not be a direct correlation between the number of annotations on a script and the mark awarded. Similarly, the use of an annotation may not be an indication of the quality of the response. The annotations listed below were available to examiners marking this component in this series. Annotations Annotation Meaning More information required Accuracy mark awarded zero Accuracy mark awarded one Independent accuracy mark awarded zero Independent accuracy mark awarded one Independent accuracy mark awarded two Benefit of the doubt Blank Page Incorrect Dep Used to indicate DM0 or DM1 DM1 Dependent on the previous M1 mark(s)

Mark scheme, page 5

9231/14 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED May/June 2025 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 5 of 18 Annotation Meaning Follow through Indicate working that is right or wrong Highlighter Highlight a key point in the working Ignore subsequent work Judgement Judgement Method mark awarded zero Method mark awarded one Method mark awarded two Misread Omission or Other solution Off-page comment Allows comments to be entered at the bottom of the RM marking window and then displayed when the associated question item is navigated to. On-page comment Allows comments to be entered in speech bubbles on the candidate response. Judgment made by the PE Premature approximation Special case Indicates that work/page has been seen Error in number of significant figures

Mark scheme, page 6

9231/14 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED May/June 2025 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 6 of 18 Annotation Meaning Correct Transcription error Correct answer from incorrect working

Mark scheme, page 7

9231/14 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED May/June 2025 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 7 of 18 Mark Scheme Notes The following notes are intended to aid interpretation of mark schemes in general, but individual mark schemes may include marks awarded for specific reasons outside the scope of these notes. Types of mark M Method mark, awarded for a valid method applied to the problem. Method marks are not lost for numerical errors, algebraic slips or errors in units. However, it is not usually sufficient for a candidate just to indicate an intention of using some method or just to quote a formula; the formula or idea must be applied to the specific problem in hand, e.g. by substituting the relevant quantities into the formula. Correct application of a formula without the formula being quoted obviously earns the M mark and in some cases an M mark can be implied from a correct answer. A Accuracy mark, awarded for a correct answer or intermediate step correctly obtained. Accuracy marks cannot be given unless the associated method mark is earned (or implied). B Mark for a correct result or statement independent of method marks. DM or DB When a part of a question has two or more ‘method’ steps, the M marks are generally independent unless the scheme specifically says otherwise; and similarly, when there are several B marks allocated. The notation DM or DB is used to indicate that a particular M or B mark is dependent on an earlier M or B (asterisked) mark in the scheme. When two or more steps are run together by the candidate, the earlier marks are implied and full credit is given. FT Implies that the A or B mark indicated is allowed for work correctly following on from previously incorrect results. Otherwise, A or B marks are given for correct work only. • A or B marks are given for correct work only (not for results obtained from incorrect working) unless follow through is allowed (see abbreviation FT above). • For a numerical answer, allow the A or B mark if the answer is correct to 3 significant figures or would be correct to 3 significant figures if rounded (1 decimal place for angles in degrees). • The total number of marks available for each question is shown at the bottom of the Marks column. • Wrong or missing units in an answer should not result in loss of marks unless the guidance indicates otherwise. • Square brackets [ ] around text or numbers show extra information not needed for the mark to be awarded.

Mark scheme, page 8

9231/14 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED May/June 2025 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 8 of 18 Abbreviations AEF/OE Any Equivalent Form (of answer is equally acceptable) / Or Equivalent AG Answer Given on the question paper (so extra checking is needed to ensure that the detailed working leading to the result is valid) CAO Correct Answer Only (emphasising that no ‘follow through’ from a previous error is allowed) CWO Correct Working Only ISW Ignore Subsequent Working SOI Seen Or Implied SC Special Case (detailing the mark to be given for a specific wrong solution, or a case where some standard marking practice is to be varied in the light of a particular circumstance) WWW Without Wrong Working AWRT Answer Which Rounds To

Mark scheme, page 9

9231/14 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED May/June 2025 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 9 of 18 Question Answer Marks Guidance 1(a)  1 ( 1) 2 2 2 n r n n r n n = + + = +  M1 Uses formula for .r  ( 2) n n = + A1 Or 2 2 n n + 2 1(b) ( )( ) ( )( ) 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 2 2 1 2 1 1 2 2 1 2 2 1 2 2 r r r r r r r r r r r r r + + − − + − = = + + + + + + + + + B1 Puts over common denominator. 1 1(c) 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 5 5 10 10 17 1 2 2 n n n − + − + − + + − + + + M1 Shows enough complete terms to demonstrate cancellation. 2 1 1 2 2 2 n n − + + A1 2 1(d) 1 2 B1 FT 1

Mark scheme, page 10

9231/14 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED May/June 2025 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 10 of 18 Question Answer Marks Guidance 2 d ( ln ) 1 ln d x x x x = + M1 Finds d ( ln ). d x x x 2 1 2 2 1 2 d ( ln ) ( 1) (2 2)! d x x x x x − − = = − − A1 Checks base case. Allow 2 1 1 2 2 2 d ( ln ) ( 1) (0)! d x x x x x − − = = − Assume that 1 d ( ln ) ( 1) ( 2)! d k k k k x x k x x − = − − B1 States inductive hypothesis. 1 1 1 1 d ( ln ) ( 1) ( 2)!(1 ) d k k k k x x k k x x − + + − = − − − M1 Differentiates kth derivative. 1 1 ( 1) ( 1) (( 1) 2)! k k k x + − + = − + − A1 So, 1 d ( ln ) ( 1) ( 2)! d n n n n x x n x x − = − − is also true for 1 n k = + . [Hence, by induction], true for every integer 2 n . A1 States conclusion. 6

Mark scheme, page 11

9231/14 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED May/June 2025 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 11 of 18 Question Answer Marks Guidance 3(a) 5 2 2 AB AC = − + − = + i j k i k B1 Finds direction vectors of two lines in the plane. 2 5 1 2 8 1 0 2 1     − − =     −   i j k M1 A1 Finds normal to the plane ABC. 2(0) 8(2) 1(3) 13 2 8 13 x y z + − =  + − = M1 A1 Substitutes point. 5 3(b) 2 2 2 13 1.57 2 8 1 = + + M1 Divides their d by magnitude of their normal vector. A1 FT Or 13 69 oe 2 3(c) 3 2 3 0 8 2 - 13 69 1 cos cos 6 3 9 1 1             =  = M1 Dot product of normal and line direction. A1 FT ο 2 .7 90 5  − = A1 0.449 radians CAO 3

Mark scheme, page 12

9231/14 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED May/June 2025 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 12 of 18 Question Answer Marks Guidance 4(a) 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1                     + = − + = − − − M1 A1 Finds determinant. 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 1 2 1 2(1) 0         − + − = − + + = + = M1 A1 Sets determinant 0 = and uses 1, = AG. 4 4(b) 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 b c b c    + + = −  = − *M1 A1 Uses ( ) ( ) 2 2 2 2 2 .          + + + = + + − + 3 3 3 (3) ( ) 3 3 3 3 b c b b cb    + + = − − − +  = − + + *M1 A1 Uses cubic equation or formula for 3 3 3.    + + 3, 3 c b = = DM1 A1 Solves simultaneous equations. WWW 6 Question Answer Marks Guidance 5(a) 3 0 0 1       B1 One-way stretch in the x-direction, scale factor 3. 0 1 1 0       B1 Reflection in the line . y x = 0 1 3 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 3 0      = =           M B1 Correct order and final answer. 3

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9231/14 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED May/June 2025 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 13 of 18 Question Answer Marks Guidance 5(b) Reflection in the line y x = followed by a [one-way] stretch in the x-direction, scale factor 1 3. B1 B1 B1 Allow scale or factor. 3 5(c) 1 1 3 0 1 0 −   =     M B1FT Inverse of their M. This may be seen in part (b) 1 2 1 3 3 1 2 1 2 0 1 3 2 3 2 1 0 1 2 −         = = =                 N M M1 A1 Multiplies on the left by the inverse of their M. May also use simultaneous equations. 3 5(d) 1 2 2 3 2 3 2 x x y y x y +     =     +     B1 Transforms x y       to . X Y       3 2 ( 2 ) x mx m x mx + = + M1 Uses y mx = and Y mX = . 2 3 2 (1 2 ) 2 3 0 m m m m m + = +  − − = A1 Forms quadratic in m. 3 1 2 m m = = − A1 3 2 y x = and y x = − A1 5

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9231/14 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED May/June 2025 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 14 of 18 Question Answer Marks Guidance 6(a) B1 Spiral shape on [0, 2π], with correct orientation, starting at pole and with one other point of intersection with the initial line. B1 r increasing, correct gradient at points of intersection with the initial line. Maximum distance of C from the pole is a. B1 3 6(b) ( ) 2 1 1 2 2 8 π 2 0 tan d a    M1 Uses 1 2 2 d r   with correct limits. ( ) ( ) 2 2π 2 2 1 1 1 1 2 8 2 8 0 π 2 0 8tan sec 1d a a       = = −   −  M1 A1 Uses 2 2 tan sec 1. A A = − ( ) ( ) 2 1 2 2 π 8 2 4 π a a = − = − A1 Accept 2 0.858a if M1 A1 earned. 4 0 =

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9231/14 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED May/June 2025 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 15 of 18 Question Answer Marks Guidance 6(c) ( ) 1 8 tan sin y a   = B1 Uses sin y r  = seen or implied. ( ) ( ) ( ) 1 2 1 1 8 8 8 d tan cos 0 sin s d ec y a     = = + M1 A1 Sets derivative equal to zero. ( ) ( ) ( ) 1 1 1 1 1 8 4 8 8 4 sin 0 sin cos sin 0 cos sin cos         + =  + = M1 Uses sin2 2sin cos A A A = in their derivative. ( ) 1 4 sin cos sin 0 4    + =  A1 AG. ( ) 1 4 4sin (4.95) cos4.95 sin4.95 0.0822 + = − and ( ) 1 4 4sin (5) cos5 sin5 0.118 + = B1 Shows sign change. 6 Question Answer Marks Guidance 7(a) 1 y = B1 1

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9231/14 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED May/June 2025 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 16 of 18 Question Answer Marks Guidance 7(b) 2 2 4 2 x x yx yx y + − = + + ( ) 2 1 ( 1) 2 4[ 0] y x y x y  − + − + + = M1 Correctly forms quadratic equation in x. 2 0 ( 1)( 1 8 16) 0 ( 1) 4( 1)(2 4) y y y y y y  − −− − − − − + M1 Uses discriminant to obtain condition for real roots. ( ) 17 7 0 1. 1 (7 17) y y y + − − A1 Explains why 1 y  17 7 1. y −  A1 AG. 4 7(c) ( ) 2 2 d 12 6 0 d 2 y x x x x + = = + + Alternative 2 17 7 2 4 2 x x x x + − = − + + M1 A1 Sets derivative equal to 0. Sets 17 7 y = − and forms equation for x. ( ) 17 1 2 7 , − − B1 3

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9231/14 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED May/June 2025 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 17 of 18 Question Answer Marks Guidance 7(d) B1 Axes and asymptotes drawn and labelled. B1 Correct shape and position. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 1 1 2 2 1 17 , 0 0, 1 2 , , , 0 1 7 −− + − − B1 Coordinates of the intersections with the axes. Allow (0, -2), (1.56, 0), (-2.56, 0) 3 y x

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9231/14 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED May/June 2025 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 18 of 18 Question Answer Marks Guidance 7(e) B1FT Symmetrical about 0, x = FT their graph from (d). B1 Correct shape, not smooth at (0, 2). − 1 2 2 2 2 | | | | 4 3| | 3| | 6 0 | | | | 2 x x x x x x + −= − + −= + + M1 Finds critical point(s). | | 1 x = A1 1 1 x −  A1 5 y x

What you needed in this session

Cambridge’s own grade thresholds for 2025 May/June, Paper 1 · Variant 4. A higher threshold means an easier paper — the bar moves with how the cohort did.

A61/75
B48/75
C40/75
D32/75
E24/75