European Baccalaureate Mathematics (5-period course) study guide
European Baccalaureate Mathematics (5-period course) · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The European Baccalaureate Mathematics 5-period course is the standard mathematics component taken by students in the European Schools system who follow the five-period-per-week option rather than the heavier 3-, 6- or 8-period variants. It is intended for pupils who need solid mathematical competence for university entry in fields such as economics, business, social sciences, biology or applied computing, rather than for those heading into engineering or pure mathematics. The European Baccalaureate Mathematics (5-period course) study guide has 7 sections and about 2,835 words.
01Number and algebra
Number and algebra underpins every other section of the 5-period paper. The exam expects fluency with real numbers, exact manipulation of surds and logarithms, and reliable solution of equations and inequalities; weak algebra costs marks in calculus and geometry questions too.
438 words, about 2 min02Functions and graphs
This domain examines whether you can describe a function completely: domain, range, symmetry, monotonicity, asymptotes, inverse and transformations, and link each feature to its graph. Questions often combine an algebraic expression with a sketch or a parameter.
443 words, about 2 min03Calculus: limits, differentiation and integration
The calculus questions carry substantial weight: limits and continuity, derivative rules and their interpretation, curve analysis, and definite integration as signed area. You should move confidently between algebraic, graphical and applied interpretations.
384 words, about 2 min04Geometry and vectors
Vector geometry in two and three dimensions: operations, scalar product, lines and planes, angles and distances. The exam rewards a clear coordinate set-up and correct use of the scalar product, including in spatial problems.
396 words, about 2 min05Trigonometry
Trigonometric functions, identities, equations and triangle geometry. The 5-period exam expects radian measure, exact values, transformation of expressions, and complete solution sets over a stated interval.
383 words, about 2 min06Probability and statistics
Probability rules, conditional probability, independence, discrete random variables and descriptive statistics. Later questions often require a clear tree diagram or two-way table before any calculation.
354 words, about 2 min07Sequences, series and discrete mathematics
Arithmetic and geometric sequences, summation, convergence, proof by induction and the binomial theorem. The exam tests both formula recall and the ability to set up a sequence from a worded or recursive description.
437 words, about 2 min