MATHEMATICS-I-A · Common Test for University Admissions (大学入学共通テスト)
MATHEMATICS-I-A/11
Mathematics I and Mathematics A
Mathematics I & A · 2024 · Variant 1
Relative difficulty
Analysis source: National Center for University Entrance Examinations (DNC)
Analysis aligned to the official syllabus and assessment design.
4.2 / 5
100
70 min
Probability, quadratic functions, data analysis and geometry conditions are frequent high-yield areas, especially when embedded in a real-world or dialogue-style setting.
Cohort performance
Session statistics from official examination reports
Total marks
100
Duration
70 min
Session difficulty
4.2 / 5
Calculator policy
Scientific calculators permitted only where specified in the DNC implementation guidelines; programming functions and CAS are prohibited. En
Key examiner messages
Top priorities from the principal examiner before you revise
数学I・数学A is based on Mathematics I and Mathematics A, including numbers and expressions, quadratic functions, figures and measurement, data analysis, cases and probability, integer properties and geometric properties. R7 Common Test mathematics emphasizes mathematical activity:…
R7 mathematics follows the Common Test pattern of guided mathematical activity: read the situation, infer the relation, then compute.
The 70-minute, 100-point paper gives 0.7 minutes per mark; long dialogues must be skimmed for mathematical conditions before detailed reading.
For quadratic max/min, the reliable calculation is: convert to vertex form, check axis, evaluate endpoints if the domain is restricted.
The DNC Problem Evaluation Committee publishes per-subject reports after each January session, rating alignment with the Course of Study (学習指導要領), item difficulty balance, and whether items discriminate without exceeding syllabus scope.
Question difficulty map
How candidates performed on each question in this series
No data available in official reports
Assessment objectives
Skill and AO weighting from official examiner commentary
Skill weighting
Cognitive skills emphasised in official test design.
Geometric and probabilistic reasoning
Weight: 30100%Algebraic manipulation
Weight: 2583%Mathematical modeling
Weight: 2583%Data interpretation
Weight: 2067%
Method marks watchlist
Where working, steps, or method marks were commonly lost
No data available in official reports
Recurring mistakes across years
Themes examiners flag in multiple recent sessions for this subject
Probability: Multiplying probabilities as if events were independent when sampling without replacement. — Update numerator and denominato…
Quadratic functions: Finding the vertex but ignoring the restricted domain for maximum/minimum. — Evaluate vertex and endpoints whenever …
Data analysis: Confusing correlation with causation or standard deviation with range. — State what each statistic measures before matchin…
Geometry: Assuming a diagram is to scale. — Use only marked equalities, parallel lines, angles and given lengths as evidence.
Integer properties: Testing too few cases and missing parity or divisibility constraints. — Factor first, then apply parity/modular condi…
Question choice intelligence
Mean scores and popularity for optional questions (HKDSE electives)
No data available in official reports
Level exemplars
What candidate scripts at each grade level looked like
No data available in official reports
Grade & admission context
How marks relate to grade thresholds and entry standards
Official body
National Center for University Entrance Examinations (DNC)
Grading system
DNC raw score 0–100 per mathematics paper; deviation values used for university admission
Scale band
0–100 raw
Scale band
Deviation 50 = mean
Scale band
University cut-off
Deep insights
What top candidates did
Techniques and approaches examiners rewarded in this series
Use the first minute to classify
Identify the domain of each major question before calculating: quadratic, trigonometric ratio, data, probability, integer or geometry. Classification prevents using a familiar formula in the wrong context.
Write formulas with conditions
For quadratics, note domain restrictions; for probability, note whether events are independent; for geometry, note congruence/similarity conditions before calculation.
Draw full probability trees
The Common Test often uses dependent events. Show changing denominators after each draw or condition, then simplify only at the end.
Turn data into numbers
For box plots, scatter plots and standard deviation, estimate center, spread and correlation direction. Compute deviations when values are provided rather than relying on visual impression.
Exploit answer format
Fill-in numeric boxes reward exact arithmetic. Keep fractions exact until the final box and check sign, digit count and simplification.
Reserve review time
Aim to finish the first pass in 62 minutes. Use the final 8 minutes to revisit probability conditions and algebra signs, where avoidable errors cluster.
Command word playbook
How to match each command word to the expected response style
No data available in official reports
Time traps
Sections where candidates spent disproportionate time relative to marks
No data available in official reports
Syllabus traceability
Topics linked to questions and mark weighting in this session
Numbers, expressions and quadratic functions
Official topic weighting
Figures, measurement and geometric properties
Official topic weighting
Data analysis
Official topic weighting
Cases, probability and integer properties
Official topic weighting
MCQ trap analytics
Commonly chosen wrong options from examiner commentary
No data available in official reports
Topic heatmap across years
Mark concentration by topic and exam year for this subject
Mark intensity
Cases, probability and integer properties
Numbers, expressions and quadratic functions
Figures, measurement and geometric properties
Data analysis
Difficulty trend
How session difficulty has shifted across recent years
Paper comparison
Marks and duration breakdown across papers in this session
Mathematics I and Mathematics A: Algebra, functions, geometry, data, probability, integers and guided multi-step tasks
Marks you can still earn
Where valid approaches outside the mark scheme may still gain credit
No data available in official reports
Practise what examiners flagged
Target weak topics from this report inside the Revui app
Numbers, expressions and quadratic functions
Official topic weighting
Practise in RevuiFigures, measurement and geometric properties
Official topic weighting
Practise in RevuiData analysis
Official topic weighting
Practise in RevuiCases, probability and integer properties
Official topic weighting
Practise in RevuiSelf-diagnostic checklist
Key actions before you sit this paper — copy and tick off as you revise
- 1Message
数学I・数学A is based on Mathematics I and Mathematics A, including numbers and expressions, quadratic functions, figures and measurement, data analysis, cases and probability, integer properties and geometric properties. R7 Common Test mathematics emphasizes mathematical activity:…
- 2Message
R7 mathematics follows the Common Test pattern of guided mathematical activity: read the situation, infer the relation, then compute.
- 3Message
The 70-minute, 100-point paper gives 0.7 minutes per mark; long dialogues must be skimmed for mathematical conditions before detailed reading.
- 4Message
For quadratic max/min, the reliable calculation is: convert to vertex form, check axis, evaluate endpoints if the domain is restricted.
- 5Message
The DNC Problem Evaluation Committee publishes per-subject reports after each January session, rating alignment with the Course of Study (学習指導要領), item difficulty balance, and whether items discriminate without exceeding syllabus scope.
- 6Pitfall
Probability: Multiplying probabilities as if events were independent when sampling without replacement. — Update numerator and denominato…
- 7Pitfall
Quadratic functions: Finding the vertex but ignoring the restricted domain for maximum/minimum. — Evaluate vertex and endpoints whenever …
- 8Pitfall
Data analysis: Confusing correlation with causation or standard deviation with range. — State what each statistic measures before matchin…
- 9Pitfall
Geometry: Assuming a diagram is to scale. — Use only marked equalities, parallel lines, angles and given lengths as evidence.
- 10Pitfall
Integer properties: Testing too few cases and missing parity or divisibility constraints. — Factor first, then apply parity/modular condi…
- 11Strength
Use the first minute to classify: Identify the domain of each major question before calculating: quadratic, trigonometric ratio, data,
- 12Strength
Write formulas with conditions: For quadratics, note domain restrictions; for probability, note whether events are independent; for
- 13Strength
Draw full probability trees: The Common Test often uses dependent events. Show changing denominators after each draw or condition
Teacher briefing pack
One-page session summary for tutors and classroom review
2024 2024
Mathematics I & A
数学I・数学A is based on Mathematics I and Mathematics A, including numbers and expressions, quadratic functions, figures and measurement, data analysis, cases and probability, integer properties and geometric properties. R7 Common Test mathematics emphasizes mathematical activity: re
数学I・数学A is based on Mathematics I and Mathematics A, including numbers and expressions, quadratic functions, figures and measurement, data analysis, cases and probability, integer properties and geometric properties. R7 Common Test mathematics emphasizes mathematical activity:…
R7 mathematics follows the Common Test pattern of guided mathematical activity: read the situation, infer the relation, then compute.
The 70-minute, 100-point paper gives 0.7 minutes per mark; long dialogues must be skimmed for mathematical conditions before detailed reading.
Probability: Multiplying probabilities as if events were independent when sampling without replacement. — Update numerator and denominato…
Quadratic functions: Finding the vertex but ignoring the restricted domain for maximum/minimum. — Evaluate vertex and endpoints whenever …
- Total marks
- 100
- Duration
- 70 min
- Session difficulty
- 4.2 / 5
- Calculator policy
- Scientific calculators permitted only where specified in the DNC implementation guidelines; programming functions and CAS are prohibited. En
Session analysis
数学I・数学A is based on Mathematics I and Mathematics A, including numbers and expressions, quadratic functions, figures and measurement, data analysis, cases and probability, integer properties and geometric properties. R7 Common Test mathematics emphasizes mathematical activity: reading situations, formulating relationships, choosing methods and interpreting results. National Center for University Entrance Examinations (DNC) emphasises probability, quadratic functions, data analysis and geometry conditions are frequent high-yield areas, especially when embedded in a real-world or dialogue-style setting.. Priority revision: Numbers, expressions and quadratic functions, Figures, measurement and geometric properties, Data analysis, Cases, probability and integer properties. Identify the domain of each major question before calculating: quadratic, trigonometric ratio, data, probability, integer or geometry. Classification prevents using a familiar formula in the wrong context.
Updated 2026-07-03
Paper breakdown
Mathematics I and Mathematics A: Algebra, functions, geometry, data, probability, integers and guided multi-step tasks
Top chapters
Exam structure insights
Marks by syllabus topic
Revision priority from official test-design weighting.
Mark accessibility
Estimated difficulty spread based on official design.
Probability, quadratic functions, data analysis and geometry conditions are freq
Paper structure
Official paper breakdown for this subject.
Mathematics I and Mathematic
100·10·100%
Official syllabus scope
数学I・数学A is based on Mathematics I and Mathematics A, including numbers and expressions, quadratic functions, figures and measurement, data analysis, cases and probability, integer properties and geometric properties. R7 Common Test mathematics emphasizes mathematical activity: reading situations, formulating relationships, choosing methods and interpreting results.
Difficulty verdict
Rated 4/5 for January sessions. Probability, quadratic functions, data analysis and geometry conditions are frequent high-yield areas, especially when embedded in a real-world or dialogue-style setting.
What examiners measure
1. Model everyday or mathematical situations using expressions, functions, figures and probability. 2. Carry out algebraic, geometric and statistical procedures accurately. 3. Choose efficient solution strategies and connect multiple representations. 4. Interpret results in the context of a problem and judge reasonableness. 5. Use diagrams, tables and conditions to support multi-step reasoning.
Where the marks are
Highest-weight syllabus areas: Numbers, expressions and quadratic functions; Figures, measurement and geometric properties; Data analysis; Cases, probability and integer properties.
Examiner notes & key calculations
- R7 mathematics follows the Common Test pattern of guided mathematical activity: read the situation, infer the relation, then compute.
- The 70-minute, 100-point paper gives 0.7 minutes per mark; long dialogues must be skimmed for mathematical conditions before detailed reading.
- For quadratic max/min, the reliable calculation is: convert to vertex form, check axis, evaluate endpoints if the domain is restricted.
- Probability items commonly require P(A and B) = P(A) x P(B|A), not P(A) x P(B). Write the conditional event explicitly.
- For data, standard deviation changes with spread, not with every value increasing by the same constant.
- Geometry partial reasoning often depends on naming the theorem: similarity, cyclic quadrilateral, angle bisector, power of a point or sine/cosine rule.
- Integer problems become faster when rewritten as factor pairs or congruences instead of brute-force enumeration.
- Paper 1: Mathematics I and Mathematics A · 100 marks · 70 min · Algebra, functions, geometry, data, probability, integers and guided multi-step tasks.
Exam tips
Paper format
- Duration
- 70 min
- Total marks
- 100
- Weighting
- 100%
- Question types
- Algebra, functions, geometry, data, probability, integers and guided multi-step tasks
- Identify the domain of each major question before calculating: quadratic, trigonometric ratio, data, probability, integer or geometry. Classification prevents using a familiar formula in the wrong context.
- For quadratics, note domain restrictions; for probability, note whether events are independent; for geometry, note congruence/similarity conditions before calculation.
- The Common Test often uses dependent events. Show changing denominators after each draw or condition, then simplify only at the end.
Common mistakes
Probability
Multiplying probabilities as if events were independent when sampling without replacement.
How to avoid: Update numerator and denominator on every branch and label conditional probabilities.
Quadratic functions
Finding the vertex but ignoring the restricted domain for maximum/minimum.
How to avoid: Evaluate vertex and endpoints whenever the domain is bounded.
Data analysis
Confusing correlation with causation or standard deviation with range.
How to avoid: State what each statistic measures before matching to the scenario.
Analysis is paraphrased for study purposes. Always verify against the official examiner report and mark scheme.