Common errors in Mathematics

Abstract

When answering Mathematics questions, students often make errors leading to incorrect answers or the loss of accuracy marks. Many of these errors will be random, occurring through calculation errors or misreading of the question, and will not affect many candidates. However, some errors may be seen in a number of students' scripts. These are sometimes referred to as common errors. The aim of this study was to identify common errors that have been made in Mathematics exams. Three Mathematics specifications were used in this study: IGCSE Mathematics (0580), GCSE Mathematics A (J512) and GCSE Mathematics B (J567). Copies of the examiners' reports and exam papers were obtained for all three qualifications for June 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012. Within each examiner's report, any common errors that candidates made were coded against a theme and sub-theme. The results were intended to inform the redevelopment of the mathematics qualifications, and to provide useful information for teachers and examiners.