1. The document is a mark scheme for a GCSE mathematics practice paper. It provides notes on marking principles for scoring student responses. 2. Key aspects of the mark scheme include awarding method marks (M marks) for showing working, accuracy marks (A marks) for correct answers, and follow through marks for multi-step calculations. Partial credit is given for partially correct responses. 3. The mark scheme provides detailed guidance on how to score different types of questions involving topics like algebra, geometry, statistics and probability. Specific rules are given for marking responses involving calculations, diagrams, equations and financial problems.

1. Specification B - Practice Paper A
Unit 3 Foundation
Mark Scheme
GCSE
GCSE Mathematics (Modular)
Paper: 5MB3F_01
Edexcel Limited. Registered in England and Wales No. 4496750
Registered Office: One90 High Holborn, London WC1V 7BH

2. GCSE MATHEMATICS UNIT 3
FOUNDATION PRACTICE PAPER A MARKSCHEME
NOTES ON MARKING PRINCIPLES
1 Types of mark
M marks: method marks
A marks: accuracy marks
B marks: unconditional accuracy marks (independent of M marks)
2 Abbreviations
cao – correct answer only ft – follow through
isw – ignore subsequent working SC: special case
oe – or equivalent (and appropriate) dep – dependent
indep - independent
3 No working
If no working is shown then correct answers normally score full marks
If no working is shown then incorrect (even though nearly correct) answers score no marks.
4 With working
If there is a wrong answer indicated on the answer line always check the working in the body of the script (and on any
diagrams), and award any marks appropriate from the mark scheme.
If working is crossed out and still legible, then it should be given any appropriate marks, as long as it has not been
replaced by alternative work.
If it is clear from the working that the “correct” answer has been obtained from incorrect working, award 0 marks. Send
the response to review, and discuss each of these situations with your Team Leader.
If there is no answer on the answer line then check the working for an obvious answer.
Any case of suspected misread loses A (and B) marks on that part, but can gain the M marks. Discuss each of these
situations with your Team Leader.
If there is a choice of methods shown, then no marks should be awarded, unless the answer on the answer line makes
clear the method that has been used.
Paper: 5MB3F_01 2
Session: Practice Paper A

3. GCSE MATHEMATICS UNIT 3
FOUNDATION PRACTICE PAPER A MARKSCHEME
5 Follow through marks
Follow through marks which involve a single stage calculation can be awarded without working since you can check the
answer yourself, but if ambiguous do not award.
Follow through marks which involve more than one stage of calculation can only be awarded on sight of the relevant
working, even if it appears obvious that there is only one way you could get the answer given.
6 Ignoring subsequent work
It is appropriate to ignore subsequent work when the additional work does not change the answer in a way that is
inappropriate for the question: e.g. incorrect canceling of a fraction that would otherwise be correct
It is not appropriate to ignore subsequent work when the additional work essentially makes the answer incorrect e.g.
algebra.
Transcription errors occur when candidates present a correct answer in working, and write it incorrectly on the answer
line; mark the correct answer.
7 Probability
Probability answers must be given a fractions, percentages or decimals. If a candidate gives a decimal equivalent to a
probability, this should be written to at least 2 decimal places (unless tenths).
Incorrect notation should lose the accuracy marks, but be awarded any implied method marks.
If a probability answer is given on the answer line using both incorrect and correct notation, award the marks.
If a probability fraction is given then cancelled incorrectly, ignore the incorrectly cancelled answer.
8 Linear equations
Full marks can be gained if the solution alone is given on the answer line, or otherwise unambiguously indicated in
working (without contradiction elsewhere). Where the correct solution only is shown substituted, but not identified as
the solution, the accuracy mark is lost but any method marks can be awarded.
9 Parts of questions
Unless allowed by the mark scheme, the marks allocated to one part of the question CANNOT be awarded in another.
10 Use of ranges for answers
If an answer is within a range this is inclusive, unless otherwise stated.
Paper: 5MB3F_01 3
Session: Practice Paper A

4. GCSE MATHEMATICS UNIT 3
FOUNDATION PRACTICE PAPER A MARKSCHEME
PAPER: 5MB3F_01 Practice Paper A
Question Working Answer Mark Notes
(a) A&E 1 B1
1
(b) A & C or C and E 1 B1
(c) Hexagon 1 B1 ignore spelling
2 metres = 200 cm
1 length of wood M1 for changing 2 m to cm or changing cm to metres
80 + 80 + 35 = 195cm M1 for 80 + 80 + 35 = 195
2 long & 1 short M1 for long length will fit 2 long pieces & 1 short piece
*2 Yes 5
5 lengths of wood M1 for 5 lengths of wood gives 10 long pieces & 5 short
Gives 10 long & 5 pieces oe
short C1 for saying he has enough based upon their calculations
He has enough
(a) Parallel lines drawn 1 B1 for two parallel lines drawn
3
(b) Perpendicular drawn 1 B1 for a perpendicular drawn from P to AB
(a) M1 for P = or 3l
P = 3l 2
4 A1 for P = 3l
(b) 30 1 B1 for 30
(a) 4 1 B1 cao
5
(b) 9 1 B1 cao
(c) 18 1 B1 cao
M1 for dealing with one bus stop or sight of + 21 and – 15
23 –15 + 21 = 29 or 6
“29” – 25 +18 = M1 for dealing with the second stop or sight of +18 and –25
Alternative or –7
23 + 6 = 29 A1 cao for 22
6 “29” – 7 = 22 3 Alternative
Alternative M1 for dealing with the people that get on or sight of 21 +
23 + 21 + 18 = 62 18 or sight of 39
“62” – 15 – 25 = M1 for dealing with the people that get off or sight of –25
and – 15 or sight of 40
A1 cao for 22
Paper: 5MB3F_01 4
Session: Practice Paper A

5. GCSE MATHEMATICS UNIT 3
FOUNDATION PRACTICE PAPER A MARKSCHEME
PAPER: 5MB1F_01
Question Working Answer Mark Notes
(a) M1 for reflection in any line parallel to the mirror line
7 Correct reflection 2
A1 for correct reflection tolerance ± 2 mm
(b) M1 for reflection in any line parallel to the mirror line
Correct reflection 2
A1 for correct reflection tolerance ± 2 mm
M1 for 5 × 7 + 3
(a) 5×7+3 38 2
A1 for 38
22 = 4w – 2 M1 for attempt to add 2 to each side or divide
(b) 4w = 24 6 2 throughout by 4
8
W = 24 ÷ 4 A1 for 6
F −b M1 for attempt to subtract b from each side or divide
F = ma + b
(c)
ma = F – b
a= 2 throughout by m
m A1 oe
M1 for drawing one line correctly with tolerance of 2mm
9 Drawing of triangle 3 M1 for drawing the angle correctly with tolerance of 2°
A1 for fully correct triangle within tolerance
(a) 65 1 B1 cao
10
(b) 2450 1 B1 cao
2 × £19.95 = £39.90 M1 for attempt to find cost of 2 adults
1 × £12.50 = £12.50 M1 for attempt to add cost of one child
11 1 × £ 5.99 = £ 5.99 13.39 5 A1 for £58.39
£58.39 M1 for “58.39” – 45
A1 cao
58.39 – 45.00
M1 for attempt to find adults needed or sight of 335 ÷ 15
335 ÷ 15 = 22.33
A1 for 22 or 23
23 adults needed
12 7 5 M1 for 335 + “23”
335 + 23 = 358
M1 for “358” ÷ 53
358 ÷ 53 = 6.75
A1 for 7 cao
Paper: 5MB3F_01 5
Session: Practice Paper A

6. GCSE MATHEMATICS UNIT 3
FOUNDATION PRACTICE PAPER A MARKSCHEME
PAPER: 5MB1F_01
Question Working Answer Mark Notes
13 15 M1 for attempt to find 15% of 625
625 × = 93.75
A1 for 93.75
100
25.95 × 24 = 622.80 91.55 5 M1 for 25.95 × 24
622.80 + 93.75 = 716.55 M1 for “622.80” + “93.75”
716.55 – 625 C1 for identification of extra payment
6000 6 3 6000
3 M1 for writing oe
14 = = 2 40 000
40 000 40 20 20
A1 cao
3x + 3x + x + 2 + x + 2 = 44 M1 for attempt to form equation in x equating to 44 with
8x + 4 = 44 sight of 3x or x + 2
M1 for establishing 8x + 4 = 44 oe
15 8x = 40 75 5
A1 for x = 5
x=5 M1 for 3 × “5” × “5”
Area = 15 × 5 A1 cao
(a) 10 1 B1 cao
(b)(i) 10 00 1 B1 cao
(b)(ii) 30 1 B1 cao
16
(c) 11 20 1 B1 cao
M1 for attempt to relate a correct distance and time e.g.
(d) 24 2 12 km in 30 minutes
A1 cao
Bearing 131° 1 B1 tolerance 2°
M1 for their distance in cm × 50
17 Distance 300km 2
A1 tolerance of 10 km
Correct point B1 for correct bearing tolerance 2°
2
marked B1 for correct distance of 7 cm tolerance 2 mm
Paper: 5MB3F_01 6
Session: Practice Paper A

7. GCSE MATHEMATICS UNIT 3
FOUNDATION PRACTICE PAPER A MARKSCHEME
PAPER: 5MB1F_01
Question Working Answer Mark Notes
B2 for correct tessellation with 8 triangles in total
18 Correct tessellation 2
B1 for correct tessellation with at least 4 extra triangles
M1 for attempt to subtract the two meter readings
27065 – 25192 = 1873 A1 for 1873
*19 1873 × 11.45 = 21445.85p 214.46 5 M1 for “1873” × 11.45
£214.4585 A1 21445.85
C1 for correctly interpreting their final answer as money
(a) M1 for their rotated triangle in the correct orientation
Correct rotation 2
A1 for their rotated triangle in the correct position
(b) Correct translation B1 for triangle moved 6 cm right
20 2
B1 for triangle moved 1 cm down
(c) Reflection in y = x B1 for reflection
2
B1 for y = x oe
Paper: 5MB3F_01 7
Session: Practice Paper A