Exercise 1 — Cambridge IGCSE 0580 Jun 2024 Paper 13 Q2
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Cambridge IGCSE·Mathematics 0580·Core
Bidmas
Key knowledge — Numbers
Formulas & equations
Percentage change = (change ÷ original) × 100Simple interest = P × R × T ÷ 100Compound interest: A = P(1 + r/100)ⁿSpeed = Distance ÷ TimeDensity = Mass ÷ VolumeUpper bound = measured value + ½ × precisionLower bound = measured value − ½ × precision
Key facts & rules
- A prime number has exactly 2 factors: 1 and itself. 1 is NOT prime.
- HCF: highest common factor — use a Venn diagram of prime factors.
- LCM: lowest common multiple — product of all prime factors, using highest powers.
- Standard form: A × 10ⁿ where 1 ≤ A < 10.
- Rational numbers can be written as fractions p/q (q ≠ 0). Irrational numbers cannot (e.g. π, √2).
- To convert a recurring decimal to a fraction: multiply by 10ⁿ to eliminate the recurring part, then subtract.
- Index laws: aᵐ × aⁿ = aᵐ⁺ⁿ; aᵐ ÷ aⁿ = aᵐ⁻ⁿ; (aᵐ)ⁿ = aᵐⁿ; a⁰ = 1; a⁻ⁿ = 1/aⁿ; a^(1/n) = ⁿ√a.
Laws & theorems
- Order of operations: Brackets → Indices → Multiply/Divide → Add/Subtract (BIDMAS).
- Significant figures: count from the first non-zero digit.
IGCSE Numbers — BIDMAS Practice Core
1 Cambridge IGCSE 0580 questions on bidmas at the Core tier — each with its full mark scheme. For the Extended tier on the same skill, click here.
How to approach bidmas — open the study guide
BIDMAS on IGCSE 0580
Order of operations: Brackets, Indices, Division/Multiplication (left to right), Addition/Subtraction (left to right). Always work inside brackets first. Indices (powers/roots) come before multiply/divide.
Practice exercises