Differentiation
Differentiate y = 3x^4 - 5x^2 + 7 and state the gradient when x = 2.
A strong answer shows dy/dx = 12x^3 - 10x, then substitutes x = 2 to get 96 - 20 = 76. The common lost mark is substituting before differentiating.
For official specifications and assessment wording, cross-check AQA, Pearson Edexcel and OCR alongside this guide.
A-Level Maths Revision Made Simple
Step-by-step explanations for core A-Level Maths topics — from differentiation to statistics. Know what to work on next.
Supported boards
AQAEdexcelOCRWJECEduqasCCEACIESQAIBAP
Free plan availableNo credit card required
Cross-check official specifications and past papers with AQA, Pearson Edexcel and OCR. StudyVector is independent and not exam-board affiliated.
A-Level Mathematics is one of the most challenging and rewarding subjects you can study. Whether you're working through pure maths topics like calculus and trigonometry, or applied topics like statistics and mechanics, StudyVector breaks concepts into clear, manageable steps. Our tutor explains topics patiently, clearly, with worked examples that actually make sense, and now with curated launch guides for the highest-friction routes. We support AQA, Edexcel, OCR, Cambridge International A-Level, IB Mathematics AA and AI, and AP Calculus where coverage is live.
JC
A-Level and Further Maths explanations reviewed
by James Chen, Cambridge Mathematics offer holder.
Before you sign up
Try one exam-style question with no account, drill by topic, or see summer 2026 predicted angles — then set your course and exam board.
Try a free question · Exam questions by topic · Predicted topics 2026 · All subjects
How to structure A-Level Maths revision
Split each week across pure, statistics and mechanics instead of only revising the topic you prefer. Pure topics such as differentiation, integration, proof, trigonometry, sequences and vectors often carry connected method marks, while statistics and mechanics punish weak setup and interpretation.
A useful session should include one worked method, a short set of exam-style questions, and one correction. If you miss a mark because of notation, units, calculator setup or a missing conclusion, record that mistake and retry later rather than moving straight to a new topic.
Board-specific checks for AQA, Edexcel and OCR
StudyVector organises A-Level Maths around board-aware routes where coverage is live, but students should still check their school specification and official exam-board materials. The safest revision path is to use official specifications and past papers for source truth, then use StudyVector for practice, explanation and weak-topic repair.
If you are using predicted topics, treat them as prioritisation. They can help you choose what to practise first, but they should not replace pure, statistics and mechanics coverage across the full course.
Topic list
Core A-Level Maths topics
Start with the strand that is costing you marks, then move into full practice once the method is secure. Topic depth varies by board, so check your exact specification alongside these launch guides.
Proof (Pure Mathematics)AQAEdexcelOCRWJECEduqasCCEACIESQAIBAPDifferentiation (Pure Mathematics)AQAEdexcelOCRWJECEduqasCCEACIESQAIBAPIntegration (Pure Mathematics)AQAEdexcelOCRWJECEduqasCCEACIESQAIBAPTrigonometry (Pure Mathematics)AQAEdexcelOCRWJECEduqasCCEACIESQAIBAPStatistical Hypothesis Testing (Statistics)AQAEdexcelOCRWJECEduqasCCEACIESQAIBAPKinematics (Mechanics)AQAEdexcelOCRWJECEduqasCCEACIESQAIBAP
Example questions
Quick checks before full practice
Statistics
A random variable follows X ~ B(20, 0.3). What does P(X <= 4) mean in context?
It means the probability of four or fewer successes in 20 independent trials, each with success probability 0.3. State the context before using calculator probabilities.
Mechanics
A particle starts from rest and accelerates uniformly at 2.5 m s^-2 for 8 seconds. Find its speed.
Use v = u + at with u = 0, a = 2.5 and t = 8, so v = 20 m s^-1. Include units because mechanics marks often reward correct physical interpretation.
How StudyVector helps you revise smarter
Step-by-step solutions
Every problem broken down into clear steps. Never skip from question to answer — understand the method behind every solution.
Exam-Style Questions
Practise with questions modelled on real A-Level papers from AQA, Edexcel and OCR. Get instant feedback and mark scheme breakdowns.
Progress Tracking
See which topics you've mastered and which need more work. Your dashboard shows exactly where to focus your revision time.
Gap Analysis
StudyVector identifies your weak topics and builds a personalised revision plan to close the gap between your current and target grade.
Coverage labels
Pure maths, statistics, and mechanics are organised by topic so you can see what is ready and what is still expanding.
Adaptive Learning
Questions adjust to your level. If you're finding something easy, we challenge you. If you're struggling, we slow down and explain differently.
Pick your route
Browse subjects
Subject cards show board support and coverage upfront, so you can decide faster instead of clicking through blind.
A-Level
A-Level Maths
22 topics3 areas
Pure maths, statistics and mechanics with topic-by-topic walkthroughs.
AQAEdexcelOCRWJEC
ProofAlgebra & FunctionsCoordinate Geometry
Fully covered against strict trust/depth gates.
Launch readyOpen subject hub
A-Level
A-Level Further Maths
50 topics5 areas
Core pure, further mechanics, statistics and decision topics in one place.
AQAEdexcelOCRWJEC
Complex NumbersArgand DiagramsSeries
Fully covered against strict trust/depth gates.
Launch readyOpen subject hub
GCSE
GCSE Maths
72 topics6 areas
Number, algebra, geometry and statistics with step-by-step support.
AQAEdexcelOCRWJEC
Integers, Powers & RootsFactors, Multiples & PrimesFractions, Decimals & Percentages
Fully covered against strict trust/depth gates.
Launch readyOpen subject hub
A-Level
A-Level Physics
31 topics3 areas
Mechanics, waves, electricity, fields and practical problem solving.
AQAEdexcelOCRWJEC
Measurements & Their ErrorsParticles & RadiationElectromagnetic Radiation & Quantum Phenomena
Fully covered against strict trust/depth gates.
Launch readyOpen subject hub
A-Level
A-Level Chemistry
17 topics4 areas
Physical, inorganic and organic chemistry with exam-ready practice.
AQAEdexcelOCRWJEC
Atomic Structure (A-Level)Amount of SubstanceBonding (A-Level)
Fully covered against strict trust/depth gates.
Launch readyOpen subject hub
Also available on StudyVector
Jump between related subjects without restarting your revision search.
Frequently asked questions
Is StudyVector free for A-Level Maths?
Yes. StudyVector is currently free in Early Access, including A-Level Maths explanations and practice questions where coverage is live.
Which exam boards does StudyVector cover?
StudyVector supports major A-Level Maths routes where coverage is live, including AQA, Edexcel and OCR. International and AP-style routes are labelled separately as coverage expands.
Can StudyVector help me aim for an A* in A-Level Maths?
StudyVector identifies weak areas, provides targeted practice, and tracks progress. It supports high-grade revision, but outcomes still depend on consistent work, teaching, and exam performance.
How is this different from watching YouTube videos?
StudyVector is interactive. You don't just watch — you practise, get instant feedback, and follow personalised study plans. It adapts to your specific weaknesses.
Ready to practise for your real exam board?
Questions follow AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, Eduqas, CCEA, Cambridge International (CIE), SQA, IB, AP spec wording — not generic AI answers. Start free, or try one question first.