Cambridge A Level Mathematics - Further 9231 — 2025 Oct/Nov Paper 2 · Variant 4
9231/24/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 paper16 pages
















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



















Paper as text
Question paper, page 1
This document has 16 pages. [Turn over Cambridge International AS & A Level FURTHER MATHEMATICS 9231/24 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 [ ]. * 2 1 2 3 3 1 2 6 4 7 * DC (CJ/CT) 358927/2 © UCLES 2025 , , * 0000800000001 * ¬O. 4mHuOªE`{5W ¬}|Uª©d _JP2 ¥U u5¥uU5 ue5U DFD
Question paper, page 2
2 9231/24/O/N/25 © UCLES 2025 1 It is given that sinh I x x x d n n 0 1 = y , where n is a non-negative integer. (a) Show that, for n 2 H , ( ) cosh sinh I n n n I 1 1 1 n n 2 = - + - - . [3] … … … … … … … … … … … … … (b) Find the exact value of I2. [2] … … … … … … … … … … * 0000800000002 * , , ĬÍĊ®Ġ´íÈõÏĪÅĊÝù·þ× ĬÿÿûØĞćÿÛõóöė´ĠĊĔĂ ĥąĕĕµÕåĕĥõÕÅąµÅÕĕÕ 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 9231/24/O/N/25 © UCLES 2025 [Turn over 2 (a) Find the exact values of x for which cosh sinh x x 2 6 2 = , giving your answers in logarithmic form. [4] … … … … … … … … … … … … … (b) Sketch the curves cosh C y x 2 1 | = and sinh C y x 6 2 2 | = on the same diagram. [2] * 0000800000003 * , , ĬÏĊ®Ġ´íÈõÏĪÅĊÝû·þ× ĬÿĀüÐĬċïÞăþ³Ã̼ĊĤĂ ĥąĥÕõµÅõõąąÅąÕåĕąÕ 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 9231/24/O/N/25 © UCLES 2025 3 (a) Use de Moivre’s theorem to show that sin sin sin sin 5 16 20 5 5 3 i i i i = - + . [4] … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … * 0000800000004 * , , ĬÍĊ®Ġ´íÈõÏĪÅĊßù·Ā× ĬÿĀùÐĢùúÙýą¼ġĨĚĚĜĂ ĥµµÕµµÅÕĕåõÅÅÕąĕĕÕ 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 9231/24/O/N/25 © UCLES 2025 [Turn over (b) Hence obtain the roots of the equation x x x 32 40 10 3 0 5 3 - + - = in the form r sinq , where q is a rational number. [4] … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … * 0000800000005 * , , ĬÏĊ®Ġ´íÈõÏĪÅĊßû·Ā× ĬÿÿúØĨõĊàûüíµĐ¾ĚĬĂ ĥµÅĕõÕåµąÕåÅŵĥÕąÕ 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 9231/24/O/N/25 © UCLES 2025 4 y x 0 1 N 1 N 2 N N 1 - The diagram shows the curve with equation y 3x 2 1 = ` j for x 0 1 G G , together with a set of N rectangles each of width N 1 . (a) By considering the sum of the areas of these rectangles, show that x U 3 d x N 2 1 0 1 1 ` j y , where U N 3 3 1 N N N 1 1 = - ` j . [4] … … … … … … … * 0000800000006 * , , ĬÑĊ®Ġ´íÈõÏĪÅĊÞû¶þ× ĬÿĀúÛĞčĄèðĉĈÕĨß²ĜĂ ĥĥĥĕõõåĕŵąÅąµÅĕÕÕ 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 9231/24/O/N/25 © UCLES 2025 [Turn over … … … … … … (b) Use a similar method to find, in terms of N, a lower bound LN for x 3 d x 2 1 0 1 ` j y . [4] … … … … … … … … … … … … (c) By simplifying U L N N - , show that lim U L 0 N N N - = " 3` j . [2] … … … … … … * 0000800000007 * , , ĬÓĊ®Ġ´íÈõÏĪÅĊÞù¶þ× ĬÿÿùÓĬđôÑĊøÁāĐû²ĬĂ ĥĥĕÕµĕÅõÕÅÕÅąÕåÕÅÕ 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 9231/24/O/N/25 © UCLES 2025 5 (a) Find the general solution of the differential equation sin cos x y x y y x x 2 2 d d d d 2 2 + + = + . [7] … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … * 0000800000008 * , , ĬÑĊ®Ġ´íÈõÏĪÅĊàû¶Ā× ĬÿÿüÓĢģõæĈïÊã´ÙâĔĂ ĥÕÅÕõĕÅÕµĥåÅÅÕąÕÕÕ 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 9231/24/O/N/25 © UCLES 2025 [Turn over (b) For large positive values of x and for any initial conditions, show that the solution to part (a) can be approximated by ( ) sin y R x 2 c z - , where R and z are positive constants to be determined. [3] … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … * 0000800000009 * , , ĬÓĊ®Ġ´íÈõÏĪÅĊàù¶Ā× ĬÿĀûÛĨğąÓòĂÿ÷ÌýâĤĂ ĥÕµĕµõåµåĕõÅŵĥĕÅÕ 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 9231/24/O/N/25 © UCLES 2025 6 Find the particular solution of the differential equation x y x x x y 1 2 1 1 d d 2 + - - + = given that r y = when x 0 = . Give your answer in an exact form. [10] … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … * 0000800000010 * , , ĬÑĊ®Ġ´íÈõÏĪÅĊÝû¸þ× ĬÿþüÚĤīģìÿøĤ¿²ĚĬĂ ĥąåĕõĕĥÕĕÕåąÅõąÕĥÕ 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 9231/24/O/N/25 © UCLES 2025 [Turn over … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … * 0000800000011 * , , ĬÓĊ®Ġ´íÈõÏĪÅĊÝù¸þ× ĬÿýûÒĦħēÍùĉåěÊĩĚĜĂ ĥąÕÕµõąµąåõąÅĕĥĕõÕ 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 9231/24/O/N/25 © UCLES 2025 7 The curve C has parametric equations ( ) ln tan cot x t t t 8 3 3 2 1 = - - , ( ) ln tan cot y t t t 6 4 4 2 1 = + + , for r r t 6 1 3 1 G G . (a) (i) Show that cosec cot t x t t 8 3 d d 2 = + . [1] … … … (ii) Find t y d d . [1] … … … (iii) Find the exact value of the length of C. [6] … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … * 0000800000012 * , , ĬÑĊ®Ġ´íÈõÏĪÅĊßû¸Ā× ĬÿýúÒĠĕĖê÷ĂÞ¹ĦËĊĤĂ ĥµąÕõõąĕĥąąąąĕÅĕĥÕ 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 9231/24/O/N/25 © UCLES 2025 [Turn over (b) Show that ( ) ( ) cosec cot cot cosec cosec x y b t c t a t t t 1 d d n 2 2 2 2 = + + , where a, b, c and n are integers to be determined. [5] … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … * 0000800000013 * , , ĬÓĊ®Ġ´íÈõÏĪÅĊßù¸Ā× ĬÿþùÚĪęĦÏāïīĝĎďĊĔĂ ĥµõĕµĕĥõõõÕąąõåÕõÕ 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 9231/24/O/N/25 © UCLES 2025 8 (a) Find the set of values of a for which the system of equations x ay x y 5 20 5 + - ,2 = ,3 = , x y z 2 3 1 - + = has a unique solution and interpret this situation geometrically. [3] … … … … … … … … … (b) Given that a 4 5 =- , show that the system of equations in part (a) is inconsistent and interpret this situation geometrically. [3] … … … … … … … … … … … … … * 0000800000014 * , , ĬÍĊ®Ġ´íÈõÏĪÅĊàúµĂ× ĬÿýûÛĨĦĎÝćüÈÁÇěºĜĂ ĥĕõÕõõåÕĕĥÕÅŵąĕåÕ 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 9231/24/O/N/25 © UCLES 2025 The matrix A is given by A 5 20 2 0 5 3 0 0 1 = - - f p. (c) Find a matrix P and a diagonal matrix D such that ( ) A I PDP 3 2 1 + = - . [7] … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … * 0000800000015 * , , ĬÏĊ®Ġ´íÈõÏĪÅĊàüµĂ× ĬÿþüÓĢĪĞÜñąāĕ¯¿ºĬĂ ĥĕąĕµĕŵąĕąÅÅÕĥÕµÕ 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 9231/24/O/N/25 © UCLES 2025 Additional page If you use the following page to complete the answer to any question, the question number must be clearly shown. … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … 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. * 0000800000016 * , , ĬÍĊ®Ġ´íÈõÏĪÅĊÞúµĄ× ĬÿþùÓĬĜīßïþĊ·ēĝêĔĂ ĥåÕĕõĕÅĕĥµõÅąÕÅÕåÕ 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 9231/24 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
9231/24 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
9231/24 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
9231/24 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
9231/24 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
9231/24 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
9231/24 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
9231/24 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
9231/24 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(a) 0 1 1 1 0 cosh cosh d − = − n n nI x x n x x x M1 Integrates by parts. Must see first term cosh n x x . ( ) ( ) 1 2 1 1 1 0 0 0 cosh sinh 1 sinh d − − = − − − n n n x x n x x n x x x M1 Integrates by parts again. ( ) ( ) ( ) 2 2 cosh1 sinh1 1 cosh1 sinh1 1 − − = − − − = − + − n n n I n n I n n n I A1 Substitutes limits, AG. Omission of brackets or limits in their working is A0. 3 1(b) 2 0 cosh1 2sinh1 2 = − + I I M1 Applies reduction formula. 2 3cosh1 2sinh1 2 = − − I A1 Accept ( ) 1 2 1 e 5e 2 − + − . 2
Mark scheme, page 10
9231/24 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2025 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 10 of 19 Question Answer Marks Guidance 2(a) 1 2 2 2 1 2sinh 6sinh sinh + = = x x x M1 A1 Sets equal and uses 2 cosh 2 1 2sinh = + x x . Accept 1 2 cosh 5 = x or 1 5 tanh = x or substituting exponential form to reach 4 2 e 3e 1 0 − + = x x or 2 2 e 3 e 0 − −+ = x x ( ) ( ) 1 1 1 2 2 4 1 sinh ln 1 − = = + + x M1 Uses logarithmic form or ( ) 1 2 2 5 e 3 = x . ( ) 1 1 2 2 ln 5 + = x A1 Must be exact and in the form ln a , where a is simplified. 4
Mark scheme, page 11
9231/24 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2025 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 11 of 19 Question Answer Marks Guidance 2(b) B1 C1 or C2 correct. B1 C2 and intersections with C1 correct. 2
Mark scheme, page 12
9231/24 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2025 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 12 of 19 Question Answer Marks Guidance 3(a) ( ) 4 3 2 5 5 5 sin5 s Im cos isin 10sin cos sin c s in o = + − = + M1 A1 Expands and clearly taking imaginary part, enough terms for M1. Accept RHS to LHS using . 2 sin 1 i = − z z ( ) ( ) 3 2 2 2 5 10sin 1 sin 5sin 1 in s s in − − + − = M1 Applies 2 2 . c i o 1 s s n = − 5 3 20sin 5s 16s in in − + = A1 AG, intermediate line of working needed, e.g. expanding ( ) 2 2 4 2 2 1 sin si 1 sin n + = − − . 4 3(b) 1 2 , sin 3 sin 5 = = x M1 Applies identify given in (b). 1 3 5 π 2 π = + k or 2 3 5 π 2 π = + k M1 Solves 1 2 3 sin5= . ( ) 1 15 sin π A1 Gives one correct solution. Accept 1 15. = q 4 5 2 15 15 7 15 15 π),sin π),sin( π),sin( π) sin( ( − − A1 Gives other solutions. OE. A0 for repeated roots. ( ) ( ) 13 2 15 15 π s sin π in = ( ) ( ) 7 8 15 15 π s sin π in = ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 5 5 1 15 3 3 25 15 s π n π π π i sin sin sin − = − = = ( ) ( ) ( ) 19 4 11 15 15 15 π π π sin sin sin − = − = 4
Mark scheme, page 13
9231/24 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2025 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 13 of 19 Question Answer Marks Guidance 4(a) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 0 3 d 3 3 3 3 − + + + + N N N N N N N N N N x x M1 A1 Forms the sum of the areas of the rectangles. M1 for at least three terms including first and last, and common ratio 1 3 N . Missing “+” is A0. ( ) ( ) 1 1 1 1 1 3 3 2 3 1 = = = − N N N N n n N N M1 A1 Applies ( ) 1 1 , 1 = − = − N N n n r r r r AG. 4 4(b) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 0 3 d 3 3 3 − − + + + + N N N N N N N N N x x M1 A1 Forms the sum of the areas of appropriate rectangles. M1 for at least three terms including first and last. ( ) ( ) 1 1 1 0 1 1 3 2 3 1 − = = = − N N N n n N N M1 A1 Applies 1 0 1. 1 − = − = − N n n N r r r 4 4(c) ( ) ( ) 1 1 1 3 1 1 3 1 3 1 − = − − N N N N N N M1 Simplifies their − N N U L to . c N 1 0 → N as . → N A1 2
Mark scheme, page 14
9231/24 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2025 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 14 of 19 Question Answer Marks Guidance 5(a) 2 1 1 2 2 3 1 0 = − + + = m m m M1 Auxiliary equation. Must give the correct type of roots 3 a b . ( ) 1 2 3 3 2 2 e cos sin − = + x y A x B x A1 Complementary function. x missing or labelled incorrectly is A0. sin 2 cos2 ' 2 cos2 2 sin 2 '' 4 sin 2 4 cos2 y p x q x y p x q x y p x q x = + = − = − − M1 A1 Particular integral and its derivatives. 4 2 1 − − + = p q p 4 2 1 − + + = q p q M1 Substitutes and equates coefficients. 1 13 = − p 5 13 = − q A1 ( ) 1 2 3 3 5 1 2 2 13 13 e cos sin sin 2 cos2 − = + − − x y A x B x x x A1 Must have “ = y ”. 7 5(b) ( ) 5 5 1 2 1 13 13 13 26 26 sin 2 cos2 sin 2 cos2 − − = − − y x x x x M1 1 2 e 0 − → x and correct use of compound angle identity. 26 2 13 13 = . 2 13 ) sin(2 1.77 − x A1 A1 A1 for R and A1 for . Condone 101.3 . Allow 0.392 = R and 1 1 26 ( ) cos −− = . OE. 3
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9231/24 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2025 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 15 of 19 Question Answer Marks Guidance 6 ( ) 2 1 2 2 1 d ln 1 2 1 2 + = − − − − − x x x x x x M1 A1 Finds integrating factor using f '( ) d ln f ( ) . f ( ) = x x x x ( ) 2 2 1 ln 1 2 2 1 e 1 2 − − − = − − x x x x A1 2 2 d 1 d 1 2 1 2 = − − − − y x x x x x M1 Correct form on LHS and RHS. ( ) 2 2 1 2 2 1 − − = − + x x x B1 Completes the square. ( ) 1 2 1 d si 1 2 2 1 n− + + = − + x x x C *M1 A1 Integrates RHS. RHS must be of the correct form 2 1 + + ax bx c . 3 4 2 1 1 π π sin− = + = C C DM1 A1 Substitutes initial conditions. 3 2 4 1 sin 1 2 1 2 π − + = + − − y x x x A1 10
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9231/24 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(a)(i) 1 2 1 2 2 2 sec 4 3cosec 3 tan = + − t x t t 2 2 8cosec 3cosec 3 8cosec 3cot = + − = + x t t t t B1 Differentiates x with respect to t. AG. 1 7(a)(ii) 2 6cosec 4cot = − y t t B1 Differentiates y with respect to t. 1 7(a)(iii) ( ) ( ) ( ) 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 4 4 2 8cosec 3cot 6cosec 4cot 100cosec 25cot 100cosec 25 cosec 1 25cosec 50cosec 25 + = + + − = + = + − = + + x y t t t t t t t t t t M1 A1 Expands and simplifies 2 2 + x y . A1 for reaching 4 2 100cosec 25cot + t t . ( ) 2 2 25 cosec 1 = + t *M1 A1 Factorises 2 2 + x y . ALT: ( ) 2 2 25 cot 2 + t . ( ) 1 1 3 3 1 1 6 6π 5 10 1 1 6 π π 3 3 2 1 3 π 6 5 cosec 1d 5 cot 5 3 π 3 π π + = − + − + − = + = + t t t t DM1 A1 Applies correct formula for arc length and integrates. Answer in terms of π and 3 for A1. 6
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9231/24 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED October/November 2025 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 17 of 19 Question Answer Marks Guidance 7(b) 2 2 2 2 6cosec 4cot 6sin 4cos 6sec 4cot 8cosec 3cot 8sin 3cos 8sec 3cot − − − = = = + + + y t t t t t t x t t t t t t B1 Finds first derivative. ( )( ) ( )( ) ( ) 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 d 6cosec 4cot d 8cosec 3cot 8csc 3cot 6cot csc 8cot csc 6csc 4cot 6csc cot 8cot csc 8cosec 3cot − + + − + + − + = + t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t or ( )( ) ( )( ) ( ) 2 2 2 2 2 2 d 6sin 4cos d 8sin 3cos 8sin 3cos 6cos 8cos sin 6sin 4cos 8cos 6cos sin 8sin 3cos − + + + − − − = + t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t M1 Differentiates d d y x with respect to t. Enough terms for M1. ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 50cos sin 1 50cot cosec cosec 1 100cos sin 50cos 8sin 3cos 8sin 3cos 8cosec 3cot + + + = = + + + t t t t t t t t t t t t t t A1 ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 2 2 3 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 50sin cos sin 1 d d 6sin 4cos d d d 8sin 3cos d 8sin 3cos 50cot cosec cosec 1 8cosec 3cot + − = = + + + = + t t y t t t x t t t x t t t t t t t t M1 A1 Applies chain rule. 5
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9231/24 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(a) 5 0 20 5 0 20 25 2 3 1 − = − − − a a M1 Finds determinant. 5 4 − a A1 Three planes intersect at a single point. B1 3 8(b) If 5 4 = − a then 5 4 5 3, 20 5 2, 2 12 2 3 1, − = − = = − + = x y x y x y z B1 Shows contradiction clearly. Two distinct parallel planes. B1 Other plane not parallel. B1 3
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9231/24 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(c) Eigenvalues of A are 5, 5 − and 1. B1 Lower diagonal matrix or characteristic equation. 40 1 5: 20 10 0 80 ~ 2 2 3 4 40 1 = − = − − − − i j k M1 A1 Uses vector product (or equations) to find corresponding eigenvectors. 0 0 5: 20 0 0 120 2 2 3 6 60 1 = − = − − − i j k A1 0 0 1: 4 0 0 0 0 20 6 0 24 1 = = − − i j k A1 Thus 1 0 0 2 2 0 1 1 1 = − P and 64 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 16 = D M1 A1 Or correctly matched permutations of columns. 7
What you needed in this session
Cambridge’s own grade thresholds for 2025 Oct/Nov, Paper 2 · Variant 4. A higher threshold means an easier paper — the bar moves with how the cohort did.