Practice questions for the Pearson Edexcel GCSE Mathematics (1MA1), Higher tier specification, for teaching in England. Every answer is explained, so you can see why the right option is right.
About this practice. Revision Robin is built and maintained by Bloor Engineering Ltd, a UK-registered company. Our GCSE Mathematics Higher (Edexcel) questions are written and reviewed in-house to match the current syllabus, each with a plain-English worked explanation. They are original practice material, not the official exam questions and not affiliated with or endorsed by Pearson Edexcel. Always confirm current test rules, fees and content with the official provider. See our Terms and Privacy.
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Try 3 real GCSE Mathematics Higher (Edexcel) questions
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Q1. Solve the equation x² - 5x - 14 = 0.
A. x = -7, x = 2
B. x = 7, x = -2
C. x = 7, x = 2
D. x = -7, x = -2
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: B. x = 7, x = -2
Factorise the quadratic to (x - 7)(x + 2) = 0. The two solutions are therefore x = 7 and x = -2.
Q2. What is the value of 27⁻²/³?
A. 1/9
B. -18
C. 9
D. 1/18
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: A. 1/9
The negative index means 'reciprocal'. The denominator of the fraction (3) means 'cube root'. The numerator (2) means 'square'. So, 27⁻²/³ = 1 / (³√27)² = 1 / (3)² = 1/9.
Q3. A right-angled triangle has a hypotenuse of length 10 cm and one angle of 30°. What is the exact length of the side adjacent to the 30° angle?
A. 5√3 cm
B. 5 cm
C. 10√3 cm
D. 10√3/3 cm
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: A. 5√3 cm
Use SOHCAHTOA. We have the Hypotenuse and want the Adjacent, so use Cosine. cos(30°) = Adj/10. Adj = 10 × cos(30°). The exact value of cos(30°) is √3/2, so the length is 10 × (√3/2) = 5√3 cm.
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Who has to sit the GCSE Mathematics Higher (Edexcel)
Who needs a GCSE Mathematics Higher (Edexcel)?
Students in England who do not achieve at least a grade 4 in GCSE Maths by the end of Year 11 are required to resit if they enter further education, until they achieve a grade 4 or reach age 18.
The real GCSE Mathematics Higher (Edexcel): format
How many questions are in the GCSE Mathematics Higher (Edexcel)?
The real GCSE Mathematics Higher (Edexcel) has 3 questions and lasts 270 minutes. Our mock uses 40 questions in 60 minutes.
What it costs, and what a resit costs
How much does the GCSE Mathematics Higher (Edexcel) cost?
Rebooking after a fail: Can be resat in the November series following summer results for Maths.
How hard is it
How hard is the GCSE Mathematics Higher (Edexcel)?
Difficulty: Higher tier covers grades 4 to 9, includes more complex topics, and questions gradually increase in demand to challenge higher-achieving students.
Why people fail it
Why do people fail the GCSE Mathematics Higher (Edexcel)?
Weak algebra foundations, accounting for roughly 30% of the paper.
Unclosed learning gaps from Key Stage 3 that compound over time.
Figures for the real exam from vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com, checked October 2026. Fees and rules change, so confirm with the test provider before you book.
GCSE Mathematics Higher (Edexcel): common questions
Frequently asked
What is the pass mark for the GCSE Mathematics Higher (Edexcel)?
You need 24 out of 40 correct to pass, which is about 60%. Our mocks mark you against this exact threshold.
How long do you get?
The test is timed at 60 minutes. Our full mock runs on the same clock so you can practise your pacing.
Are these the real exam questions?
No. Our questions are original and written to match the current syllabus, so they give realistic practice without copying the official paper. Every answer comes with a plain-English explanation. Always confirm current rules and content with Pearson Edexcel.