European Baccalaureate Mathematics (3-period course) flashcards

31 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Number of written papers

Five written papers in total: L1, L2, Mathematics, and two further papers tied to the candidate's option choices. Each is marked out of 100 and weighted by periods.

Mathematics paper duration

The 3-period Mathematics written paper lasts three hours and is marked out of 100. It carries a weighting of three periods in the final aggregate.

Period weighting in aggregate

Each subject mark out of 100 is multiplied by its period weighting. The weighted sum is divided by total periods, producing the weighted average that feeds the final percentage.

Permitted calculator type

Only non-programmable, non-graphing calculators without computer algebra are allowed in written papers. Graphing or CAS models are confiscated and may invalidate the paper.

Method marks rule

In Mathematics, marks are awarded for correct method independently of the final answer. Writing each step of the calculation protects marks when arithmetic slips occur.

Minutes per mark

Divide total minutes by total marks. A 100-mark paper lasting 180 minutes gives about 1.8 minutes per mark, so a 10-mark question deserves roughly 18 minutes.

Chain rule

For a composite f(g(x)), the derivative is f'(g(x))·g'(x). Multiply the outer derivative evaluated at the inner function by the inner derivative.

L'Hôpital's rule

Applies only to indeterminate limits of form 0/0 or ∞/∞. Differentiate numerator and denominator separately, then take the limit of the resulting quotient.

Geometric series sum

For a geometric sequence with first term u₁ and ratio r ≠ 1, the sum of n terms is u₁(1 − rⁿ)/(1 − r). As n grows, it converges when |r| < 1.

Conditional probability formula

P(A|B) equals P(A∩B) divided by P(B), provided P(B) is not zero. Events are independent exactly when P(A∩B) equals P(A)·P(B).

Binomial mean and variance

For a binomial distribution B(n, p), the mean is np and the variance is np(1 − p). The standard deviation is the square root of that variance.

Dot product and perpendicularity

a·b equals |a||b|cos θ, where θ is the angle between the vectors. Two non-zero vectors are perpendicular exactly when their dot product is zero.

Definite integral as signed area

A definite integral gives signed area: regions below the x-axis count negative. To find geometric area, split the interval at the zeros of the function and add absolute values.

Function study sequence

Work through domain, symmetry, boundary limits, derivative sign table, extrema and asymptotes before sketching. Each documented step earns marks even if the drawing is rough.

Number of oral papers

Three oral papers in total: one in L1, one in L2 or in History/Geography taught through L2, and one further oral from the candidate's combination.

Oral examination length

Each oral lasts about twenty minutes, including a preparation period of roughly fifteen to twenty minutes with the unseen material before entering the examination room.

Two examiners per oral

Orals are conducted by at least two examiners, usually one internal and one external. Each scores independently against the published rubric before marks are reconciled.

Oral marking rubric

Criteria typically cover subject content, language accuracy, fluency and interaction, and structure of the presentation. Each criterion is scored separately and then combined out of 100.

Document citation in History oral

In History or Geography through L2, identify the document's author, date, nature and source before analysing it. This identification is a required first step in the marking grid.

Notes in the oral room

Preparation notes may be brought into the room but must not be read aloud verbatim. Reading from a script is penalised under the fluency and interaction criterion.

Three-move oral structure

State the thesis or main finding, develop two or three evidence-backed points, then close with a synthesis. This structure maps directly onto the rubric's organisation criterion.

Fluency versus speed

Fluency is scored on continuity and pace rather than raw speed. Self-correction is acceptable, while long silent gaps and script reading reduce the score.

Oral weight in total

The oral mark is weighted by the periods of its subject, exactly like written papers, and enters the final aggregate on the same weighted scale.

A marks definition

A marks are continuous formative assessment during S7, recorded out of 100 per subject. They draw on class tests, homework, projects and oral participation across the year.

B marks definition

B marks come from the Pre-Baccalaureate written examination sat in S7. Each subject yields one B mark out of 100, recorded before the Baccalaureate session.

Preliminary mark composition

The preliminary mark combines A and B marks, commonly weighted 50/50 or 40/60. The exact weighting is fixed by school rules at the start of the S7 year.

Preliminary mark share

The preliminary mark contributes a defined share of the final Baccalaureate result, commonly around twenty percent for the subjects concerned. Written and oral papers supply the rest.

Right to see marks

A marks must rest on a documented, dated record of assessments. Candidates may consult their A and B marks before the school transmits them to the examination board.

Missed Pre-Baccalaureate examination

With documented medical justification, the school applies its published procedure, usually a substitute assessment or a reweighting toward A marks. Undocumented absence normally scores zero.

Appeal on preliminary mark

Preliminary marks cannot be altered after the board's deadline except through formal appeal. The appeal must cite a procedural error or a documented assessment irregularity.

Recording A marks

Every A mark must trace to a dated assessment task with a stated criterion. Undocumented or retrospective marks are inadmissible if the result is later challenged.