Showing Working and Communication

This lesson explains how to present your mathematical solutions in a way that maximises marks. In Edexcel A-Level Mathematics, the method marks are often worth more than the final answer. Clear communication of your mathematical reasoning is not optional — it is a core skill that the mark scheme explicitly rewards.

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Why Showing Working Matters

Consider a 6-mark question. The mark scheme might be: M1 A1 M1 A1 M1 A1. If you write only the final answer:

• If it is correct: You might earn full marks, but some mark schemes require intermediate steps for certain marks.
• If it is wrong: You earn 0 out of 6. No method marks can be awarded because the examiner cannot see your method.

Now consider the same question where you show all your working but make an arithmetic error in the last step:

• You earn 5 out of 6 (all three method marks and two accuracy marks).

Key Point: Showing working turns a potential 0 into a potential 5. It is the single most important exam technique in mathematics.

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What Constitutes Good Working

Good mathematical working has these characteristics: