Cambridge A Level Mathematics - Further 9231 — 2025 Oct/Nov Paper 2 · Variant 1
9231/21/O/N/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.
Question paper20 pages




















Mark scheme19 pages
Answers below. Sit the paper first if you are practising.



















Paper as text
Question paper, page 1
This document has 20 pages. Any blank pages are indicated. [Turn over * 6 8 3 3 5 2 0 0 5 9 * Cambridge International AS & A Level DC (DE/FC) 340778/4 © UCLES 2025 FURTHER MATHEMATICS 9231/21 Paper 2 Further Pure Mathematics 2 October/November 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 [ ]. , , * 0000800000001 * ¬W. 4mHuOªE]{6W ¬`sZ¤{U¦fzr ¥E¥5u¥U¥¥u U¥u5U DFD
Question paper, page 2
2 9231/21/O/N/25 © UCLES 2025 BLANK PAGE * 0000800000002 * , , ĬÕĊ®Ġ´íÈõÏĪÅĊàù¸þ× ĬàĉôÛīĨčÞùðĝìĐĖÂúĂ ĥĕõĕõĕåµÕååÅąĕąµĕÕ 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 DFD
Question paper, page 3
3 9231/21/O/N/25 © UCLES 2025 [Turn over 1 Find the values of k for which the system of equations , , , x y z x ky z x y kz 0 3 0 2 0 - + = + + = + + = does not have a unique solution. [3] … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … * 0000800000003 * , , Ĭ×Ċ®Ġ´íÈõÏĪÅĊàû¸þ× ĬàĊóÓĝĬĝÛÿāìðĨÂÂĊĂ ĥĕąÕµõÅÕÅÕõÅąõĥõąÕ 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 DFD
Question paper, page 4
4 9231/21/O/N/25 © UCLES 2025 2 The curve C has parametric equations sinh x t = and cosh y t t = + . (a) Find x y d d in terms of t. [2] … … … … … … … … (b) Show that cosh sinh x y t t 1 d d 2 2 3 = - . [4] … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … * 0000800000004 * , , ĬÕĊ®Ġ´íÈõÏĪÅĊÞù¸Ā× ĬàĊòÓħĚĬàāĊãÎÌĤÒòĂ ĥåÕÕõõÅõåõąÅÅõÅõĕÕ 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 DFD
Question paper, page 5
5 9231/21/O/N/25 © UCLES 2025 [Turn over … … … … … … … … … … … … … (c) Find the Maclaurin’s series for y in terms of x up to and including the term in x2. [2] … … … … … … … … … … … … … … * 0000800000005 * , , Ĭ×Ċ®Ġ´íÈõÏĪÅĊÞû¸Ā× ĬàĉñÛġĖĜÙ÷÷ĦĊ´¸ÒĂĂ ĥååĕµĕåĕµąÕÅÅĕåµąÕ 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 DFD
Question paper, page 6
6 9231/21/O/N/25 © UCLES 2025 3 The integral In is defined by I x x 1 d n n 2 0 1 = + ` j y . (a) By considering ( ) x x x 1 d d n 2 + ` j, or otherwise, show that ( ) n I nI 2 1 2 2 n n n 1 + = + - . [5] … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … * 0000800000006 * , , ĬÙĊ®Ġ´íÈõÏĪÅĊßûµþ× ĬàĊñØīîĒÑôĆďĪÌÕúòĂ ĥõąĕµµåµõĥõÅąĕąõÕÕ 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 DFD
Question paper, page 7
7 9231/21/O/N/25 © UCLES 2025 [Turn over (b) Find the exact value of I 2 - . [4] … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … * 0000800000007 * , , ĬÛĊ®Ġ´íÈõÏĪÅĊßùµþ× ĬàĉòÐĝòĢèĆûÚ®´āúĂĂ ĥõõÕõÕÅÕĥĕåÅąõĥµÅÕ 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 DFD
Question paper, page 8
8 9231/21/O/N/25 © UCLES 2025 4 Find the particular solution of the differential equation x y x y y x x 5 2 5 3 d d d d 2 2 2 + + = + + , given that, when x 0 = , y x y 0 d d = = . [10] … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … * 0000800000008 * , , ĬÙĊ®Ġ´íÈõÏĪÅĊÝûµĀ× ĬàĉóÐħĄħÓČôÑĐĐãĪúĂ ĥÅåÕµÕÅõąµÕÅÅõŵÕÕ 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 DFD
Question paper, page 9
9 9231/21/O/N/25 © UCLES 2025 [Turn over … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … * 0000800000009 * , , ĬÛĊ®Ġ´íÈõÏĪÅĊÝùµĀ× ĬàĊôØġĀėæîýĘÌĨ÷ĪĊĂ ĥÅÕĕõµåĕĕÅąÅÅĕåõÅÕ 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 DFD
Question paper, page 10
10 9231/21/O/N/25 © UCLES 2025 5 x y 1 0 n 1 n 2 n n 1 - The diagram shows the curve with equation y x x 3 1 3 = + for x 0 1 G G , together with a set of n rectangles of width n 1. (a) By considering the sum of the areas of these rectangles, show that x x x U 3 1 d n 3 0 1 1 + e o y , where U n n 12 1 1 1 1 7 n = + + b bl l. [5] … … … … … … … … * 0000800000010 * , , ĬÙĊ®Ġ´íÈõÏĪÅĊàû·þ× ĬàČóÕĥČñÍăûûôĎÇÒĂĂ ĥĕÅĕµÕĥõåąÕąÅÕŵĥÕ 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 DFD
Question paper, page 11
11 9231/21/O/N/25 © UCLES 2025 [Turn over … … … … … … … … (b) Use a similar method to find, in terms of n, a lower bound Ln for x x x 3 1 d 3 0 1 + e o y . [4] … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … (c) Show that ( ) lim U L 0 n n n - = " 3 . [2] … … … * 0000800000011 * , , ĬÛĊ®Ġ´íÈõÏĪÅĊàù·þ× ĬàċôÍģĈāìõĆ®èĦēÒòĂ ĥĕµÕõµąĕµõąąÅµåõõÕ 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 DFD
Question paper, page 12
12 9231/21/O/N/25 © UCLES 2025 6 The matrix P has non-zero eigenvalues and is given by P a a a 0 0 1 2 0 1 1 3 = - - f p. (a) State, in terms of a, the eigenvalues of P. [1] … … (b) (i) Find P2 in terms of a. [1] … … … … … … … (ii) Use the characteristic equation of P to find P 1 - in terms of a. [3] … … … … … … … … … … … … … * 0000800000012 * , , ĬÙĊ®Ġ´íÈõÏĪÅĊÞû·Ā× ĬàċñÍĩöĈÏûýµĆʱÂĊĂ ĥåĥÕµµąµÕÕõąąµąõĥÕ 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 DFD
Question paper, page 13
13 9231/21/O/N/25 © UCLES 2025 [Turn over The 3 3 # matrix A has eigenvalues 1, 2, 3 with corresponding eigenvectors a 0 0 f p, a 0 1 2f p, a 1 1 3 - - f p, respectively. (c) Find A in terms of a. [5] … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … * 0000800000013 * , , ĬÛĊ®Ġ´íÈõÏĪÅĊÞù·Ā× ĬàČòÕğúøêýôôÒ²ĥÂúĂ ĥåĕĕõÕĥÕÅååąąÕĥµõÕ 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 DFD
Question paper, page 14
14 9231/21/O/N/25 © UCLES 2025 7 (a) Show that tanh x x x 1 1 d d 1 2 = - - ` j . [3] … … … … … … … … … … … … (b) Find the solution of the differential equation tanh x x y y x x d d 2 1 - = - , for x 0 1 1 1 , given that y 0 = when x 2 1 = . Give your answer in an exact form. [9] … … … … … … … … … … * 0000800000014 * , , ĬÕĊ®Ġ´íÈõÏĪÅĊÝú¶Ă× ĬàċôØġąĀÜċ÷ÏîīġòòĂ ĥąĕÕµµåõåµåÅÅĕÅõåÕ 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 DFD
Question paper, page 15
15 9231/21/O/N/25 © UCLES 2025 [Turn over … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … * 0000800000015 * , , Ĭ×Ċ®Ġ´íÈõÏĪÅĊÝü¶Ă× ĬàČóÐħĉðÝíĊĚêēµòĂĂ ĥąĥĕõÕÅĕµÅõÅÅõåµµÕ 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 DFD
Question paper, page 16
16 9231/21/O/N/25 © UCLES 2025 8 (a) State the sum of the series ᴢ + ᴢ 2 + ... + ᴢ n , for ᴢ 1 ! . [1] … … (b) By letting ᴢ ( ) cos isin 2 1 i i = + use de Moivre’s theorem to deduce that ( ) sin cos sin sin sin m n n 1 m n n m n 2 1 4 5 2 1 2 2 1 1 2 1 1 i i i i i = - - + + + + = b b b l l l / . [6] … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … * 0000800000016 * , , ĬÕĊ®Ġ´íÈõÏĪÅĊßú¶Ą× ĬàČòÐĝûùÚóāđȝėĢúĂ ĥµµĕµÕŵÕĥąÅąõąµåÕ 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 DFD
Question paper, page 17
17 9231/21/O/N/25 © UCLES 2025 … … … … … … … … (c) Use the result in (b) to find cosm m m m n 2 1 1 i = b l / in terms of n and i. [You do not need to simplify your answer.] [3] … … … … … … … … … … … … … … (d) Hence find cos m m m m 2 1 1 i 3 = b l / in terms of cosi. [You may assume that n 2 0 n " as n " 3.] [2] … … … * 0000800000017 * , , Ĭ×Ċ®Ġ´íÈõÏĪÅĊßü¶Ą× ĬàċñØī÷ĉßąðØÐÇÃĢĊĂ ĥµÅÕõµåÕÅĕÕÅąĕĥõµÕ 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 DFD
Question paper, page 18
18 9231/21/O/N/25 © UCLES 2025 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. … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … * 0000800000018 * , , ĬÕĊ®Ġ´íÈõÏĪÅĊÞú¸Ă× ĬàĉòÕğóğØüĊ»ĨóÚĂĂ ĥĥÕÕµÕĥµõÕąąąÕąµĕÕ 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 DFD
Question paper, page 19
19 9231/21/O/N/25 © UCLES 2025 BLANK PAGE * 0000800000019 * , , Ĭ×Ċ®Ġ´íÈõÏĪÅĊÞü¸Ă× ĬàĊñÍĩïďáþ÷î´ÅçÚòĂ ĥĥåĕõµąÕĥåÕąąµĥõąÕ 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 DFD
Question paper, page 20
20 9231/21/O/N/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. BLANK PAGE * 0000800000020 * , , ĬÕĊ®Ġ´íÈõÏĪÅĊàú¸Ą× ĬàĊôÍģýĚÖĄðõĒĩąÊĊĂ ĥÕõĕµµąõąąåąÅµÅõĕÕ 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 DFD
Mark scheme, page 1
This document consists of 19 printed pages. © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 [Turn over Cambridge International AS & A Level FURTHER MATHEMATICS 9231/21 Paper 2 Further Pure Mathematics 2 October/November 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 October/November 2025 series for most Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International A and AS Level components, and some Cambridge O Level components.
Mark scheme, page 2
9231/21 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2025 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 2 of 19 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).
Mark scheme, page 3
9231/21 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2025 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 3 of 19 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. 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
9231/21 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2025 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 4 of 19 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
Mark scheme, page 5
9231/21 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2025 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 5 of 19 Annotation Meaning DM1 Dependent on the previous M1 mark(s) 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
Mark scheme, page 6
9231/21 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2025 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 6 of 19 Annotation Meaning Error in number of significant figures Correct Transcription error Correct answer from incorrect working
Mark scheme, page 7
9231/21 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2025 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 7 of 19 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
9231/21 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2025 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 8 of 19 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
9231/21 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2025 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 9 of 19 Question Answer Marks Guidance 1 2 1 1 1 3 1 3 1 1 3 7 2 1 1 2 1 2 − = + + = − k k k k k k k M1 A1 Evaluates determinant. 7 = k A1 3 Question Answer Marks Guidance 2(a) d d d 1 sinh d d d cosh + = = y y t t x t x t M1 A1 Applies chain rule. 2 2(b) ( ) ( ) 2 2 cosh cosh 1 sinh sinh d 1 sinh 1 sinh d cosh cosh cosh − + + − = = t t t t t t t t t t M1 A1 Finds d d . d d y t x 2 2 3 d d d d 1 sinh d d d d cosh − = = y y t t t x x x t M1 A1 Applies chain rule, AG. 4 2(c) 2 1 2 2 (0) '(0) ''(0) 1 2! = + + = + + x y y xy y x x M1 A1 Finds Maclaurin’s series. M1 for (0) y , '(0) y and ''(0) y evaluated. A0 if 2! not simplified to 2. 2
Mark scheme, page 10
9231/21 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2025 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 10 of 19 Question Answer Marks Guidance 3(a) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 1 2 2 2 2 d 1 2 1 1 d − + = + + + n n n x x nx x x x M1 A1 Uses the product rule to differentiate. ( )( ) ( ) 1 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 − = + − + + + n n n x x x *M1 Uses 2 2 1 1 = + − x x . ( ) 0 1 2 1 1 2 2 − + = − + n n n n x x nI nI I DM1 Integrates both sides using the limits given. 1 1 2 (2 1) 2 (2 1) 2 2 − − = + − + = + n n n n n n n I nI n I nI A1 Substitutes limits and rearranges. AG. 5 3(b) 1 1 1 1 4 0 tan π − − = = I x B1 1 1 2 2 2 − − − = − I I M1 A1 Applies reduction formula with 1 = − n . 2 1 2 2 1 1 1 4 4 8 π 2 π − − = − = + −I I A1 4
Mark scheme, page 11
9231/21 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2025 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 11 of 19 Question Answer Marks Guidance 4 1 2 2 5 5 i 5 2 1 0 + + = = − m m m M1 Auxiliary equation. Correct type of roots for M1. ( ) 1 5 2 2 5 5 e cos sin − = + x y A x B x A1 Complementary function. Allow ‘ = y ’ missing. 2 ' 2 '' 2 = + + = + = y px qx r y px q y p B1 Particular integral and its derivatives. 1 = p 4 5 + = p q 10 2 3 + + = p q r M1 Substitutes and equates coefficients. 1 = q 9 = − r A1 ( ) 1 5 5 2 2 2 5 e cos sin 9 − = + + + − x y A x B x x x A1 FT General solution. FT on CF. Must have ‘ = y ’. ( ) ( ) 1 1 5 5 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 ' e sin cos e cos sin 2 1 − − = − + − + + + x x y A x B x A x B x x *M1 Differentiates using the product rule, CF must be of the correct form. 9 0 −= A 2 1 5 5 1 0 − + = B A 9, 2 = = A B DM1 A1 Uses initial conditions. ( ) 1 5 2 2 2 5 5 e 9cos 2sin 9 − = + + + − x y x x x x A1 Must have ‘ = y ’. 10
Mark scheme, page 12
9231/21 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2025 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 12 of 19 Question Answer Marks Guidance 5(a) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 3 3 3 0 3 3 3 3 3 d + + + + + + + n n n n n n n n n n n x x x M1 A1 Forms the sum of the areas of the rectangles. M1 for correct width and at least three complete terms including first and last. 4 2 1 2 2 3 4 2 1 3 1 1 ( 1) ( 1) 12 2 = = + + = + = + n n n n r r n n n n r r n n M1 A1 Applies formulae from MF19. ( ) ( ) ( )( ) 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 12 12 1 1 1 7 = + + + = + + n n n n A1 AG. 5 5(b) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 3 3 2 2 1 3 3 0 3 3 3 d − − + + + + + + + n n n n n n n n n n n x x x M1 A1 Forms the sum of the areas of appropriate rectangles. 4 2 2 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 3 3 1 4 ( 1) ( 1) 12 2 − − = = − − = + = + n n n n r r n n n n r r n n M1 Applies formulae from MF19. Accept 4 . 3 = − n n L U n ( ) ( ) ( )( ) 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 12 12 1 1 1 7 = − + − = − − n n n n A1 At least one line of simplification after subbing in formula (powers of n simplified). 4 5(c) 1 16 4 12 3 − = = n n U L n n M1 Simplifies − n n U L to . c n 4 3 0 → n as → n A1 AG. 2
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9231/21 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2025 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 13 of 19 Question Answer Marks Guidance 6(a) , 2 , 3 − a a a B1 1 6(b)(i) 2 2 2 2 3 2 1 0 4 0 0 9 − − = a a a a a a P B1 1 6(b)(ii) 3 2 3 7 6 0 − + = a a P I P B1 States that P satisfies its characteristic equation. 3 2 2 1 6 7 −= − a a P I P M1 Multiplies through by 1 − P . 1 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 3 2 1 3 2 1 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 0 0 6 1 6 9 − = − − − + = − − a a a a a a a a a a a a a P P A1 3
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9231/21 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2025 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 14 of 19 Question Answer Marks Guidance 6(c) 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 3 = D B1 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 3 − = A P P M1 Applies 1. − = A PDP 2 2 3 2 3 2 1 0 0 3 6 0 0 2 3 0 9 0 3 1 4 6 2 − + = − − − − a a a a a a a a a a M1 A1 Multiplies two adjacent matrices. For M1, P must correct. 2 4 1 1 2 6 1 3 1 0 2 0 0 3 + − a a a a A1 OE. 5
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9231/21 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2025 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 15 of 19 Question Answer Marks Guidance 7(a) ( ) ( )( ) ( )( ) ( ) 1 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 d 1 tanh d 1 1 − − − + − − = + − x x x x x x x M1 A1 Applies 1 1 2 1 tanh ln 1 − + = − x x x . ( ) 2 1 2 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 − = = + − − x x x x A1 AG. Alternative method for question 7(a) 2 d tanh sech 1 d = = y y x y x M1 A1 Implicit differentiation. 2 2 d 1 1 d 1 tanh 1 = = − − y x y x A1 AG. 3
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9231/21 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2025 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 16 of 19 Question Answer Marks Guidance 7(b) 1 h d d tan − = − y y x x x x B1 Divides through by . x 1 1 ln d e e − − − − = = x x x M1 A1 Finds integrating factor. ( ) 1 1 d tanh d − − = x y x x M1 Correct form on LHS and RHS. 1 1 2 tanh d 1 − − = − − x x x x x y x *M1 A1 Integrates correct function on RHS. ( ) 1 1 1 2 2 tanh ln 1 − − + − + = x y x x x C A1 ‘ +C ’ not required. 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 4 4 2 4 1 0 tanh ln ln3 ln − = + + = − − C C DM1 Substitutes initial conditions. ( ) 27 1 1 2 4 16 1 1 2 ln 1 l tanh n − − + − = − x x y x x A1 Accept ( ) 1 1 2 3 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 4 1 ln 1 tanh l n n ta h . − − − + − − = − x x x y x Accept ( ) ( ) 2 27 1 1 2 4 16 1 ln 1 ln . tanh− = + − − x x x y x 9
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9231/21 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2025 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 17 of 19 Question Answer Marks Guidance 8(a) 1 1 + − − nz z z B1 1 8(b) ( ) ( ) ( ) 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 1 1 2 2 1 2 cos i sin( 1) sin 1 i cos( 1) 1 cos sin + + + − + = − + − − + + − n n n n n z z z B1 ( ) ( ) ( ) 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 2 2 2 2 cos( 1) cos c cos i sin( 1) sin 1 i sin 1 i s sin 1 i sin o cos + + − + + − −− −+ −− + n n n n *M1 Multiplies numerator and denominator by complex conjugate of z–1. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 5 4 cos( 1) c o o sin c s 1 sin( 1) sin cos s + + − − + − + − − + n n n n DM1 A1 Takes imaginary part. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 5 4 2 1 1 1 2 2 4 1 2 5 cos( 1) cos sin( 1) sin sin sin sin( 1) sin cos si o ( n c s 1) + + + + + − + + − + − + − + − + + = n n n n n n n n n n M1 A1 Uses sin( ) sin cos cos sin − = − A B A B A B in numerator, AG.
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9231/21 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2025 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 18 of 19 Question Answer Marks Guidance 8(b) Alternative method for question 8(b) 2 i 1 e = z B1 ( ) ( ) ( ) 2 1 i 1 i 1 1 2 2 1 i 1 e e 1 e 1 + + + − − = − − n n nz z z M1 A1 ( ) ( ) ( ) i 1 i i 1 1 1 2 2 2 i 2 1 i 1 1 2 e e e 1 e 1 e 1 + + − − − − − − n n M1 Multiplies numerator and denominator by complex conjugate. ( ) ( ) ( ) i 1 i i 1 1 1 1 2 1 5 2 2 2 4 4 c e e I os e m + + + − + − − n n n n ( ) ( ) ( ) 2 1 1 1 2 2 1 2 5 4 s s in s n in c i os 1 + + = − + + − n n n n M1 A1 Takes imaginary part 6 8(c) ( ) ( ) ( ) 2 2 1 1 2 5 4 1 1 2 1 2 1 sin sin( 1 sin d d co ) cos s + + = + − + = − n n m n m n n m m M1 Differentiates the result from (b). ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 1 1 2 2 2 2 1 5 4 5 4 2 1 1 2 5 4 cos ( 1)cos 1 cos si cos cos sin sin( 1) sin n cos + + + + + = − + − + + − − + − − n n n n n n n n n n M1 A1 3
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9231/21 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2025 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 19 of 19 Question Answer Marks Guidance 8(d) ( ) ( )( ) ( ) ( ) 1 2 1 5 2 2 1 4 2 5 4 1 cos sin cos cos sin cos = − = − − m m m m M1 ( ) 1 2 0 → n n as . → n ( ) 2 1 2 5 4 5 8 c c s os o = − − A1 2
What you needed in this session
Cambridge’s own grade thresholds for 2025 Oct/Nov, Paper 2 · Variant 1. A higher threshold means an easier paper — the bar moves with how the cohort did.