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Many candidates are confused when it comes to the permitted calculator for use in their Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics examinations.
While there is no specific guideline in terms of models or makes, there are certain rules from CIE to abide, and what you must know before you are heading to your calculator hunt.
There are three different mathematical subjects being offered by Cambridge IGCSE: Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics (0580), Cambridge IGCSE Additional Mathematics (0606) and Cambridge IGCSE International Mathematics (0607).
We will cover each of them separately below.
Firstly, CIE has provided the answers for this frequently asked question.
Due to the sheer number of different calculator models available worldwide, we cannot give specific details of which models or makes of calculators are permitted in our exams.
Where the use of calculators is allowed in examinations, calculators used must not be able to manipulate algebra; they must be purely numerical integration/differentiation. Calculators with any of the following facilities are prohibited, unless specifically stated otherwise in the syllabus:
- graphic display
- data banks
- dictionaries or language translators
- retrieval or manipulation of text or formulae
- QWERTY keyboards
- built-in symbolic algebraic manipulations
- symbolic differentiation or integration
- capability of remote communication with other machines.
Cambridge will regard the use of any such calculator as malpractice. Students requiring more information should contact the Examinations Officer at their school.
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Whilst graphical calculators are indeed an excellent tool for students to use in class, as part of our assessment we often assess the candidate?s ability to plot graphs accurately, that they understand how to draw a best-fit line, and can correctly calculate a gradient showing their working. These are basic skills, which would not be assessed if candidates were to return an answer from their calculator.
(There is an exceptional case for candidates taking International Mathematics (0607) )
So, what does the syllabus say for each of the subject?
Let’s take a look.
The syllabus says:
Conclusion: You must take into consideration of the criteria from CIE answers above, and make sure the model that you are getting is not “Algebraic or graphical calculator”.
The syllabus says:
Conclusion: You must take into consideration of the criteria from CIE answers above, and get a calculator with “scientific functions”. Plus, get the confirmation from your school / exam centre for permitted models.
The syllabus says:
Conclusion: You must take into consideration of the criteria from CIE answers above, and make sure the model that you are getting does not contain “symbolic algebraic logic or other applications and programmes”.
Don’t be. 🙂
If you are still in doubt, just get the confirmation from your school / exam centre for permitted model. They are the one who has the last say on what is permitted to bring into the exam hall. 🙂
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Lanja Omer
United Arab Emirates
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136 responses
Can canon F-718SGA calculator may be used in exam igcse mathematics for 0580?
Can you compare 0580,0606, 0607, I am confused about what is best for me
Hi Adya,
Please let us know what do you plan to study in the future. We can then provide better suggestion.
Hello IGCSE, During this may/june 2016 session for o levels, i was asked to write the calculator model and the name of the calculator company on the paper, i wrote the model number but i did not write the Calculator name for eg: CASIO. What will happen, does it make any difference! Tnx
hey rustam, i want to contact you. can you please drop your email or contact.
Hello IGCSE Centre, I have a calculator which is different from the ones that all of my other friends have. I have model fx 570 AR X while they have fx 991ES. I am not sure if fx 570 AR X is allowed because it looks similiar to what my friends have, its not a graphical calculator but it just has more functions such as vectors, matrices, ratios, probability and spreadsheets. So is fx 570 AR X allowed?
Hi Mo,
You must get the consent from your school. They decide which model is allowed into the examination hall.
Hi, what if my child is a homeschooler? Who do we get the consent from?
Thank you.
Hi Sarah,
In this case you must get the consent from the exam centre. Exam centre is the centre where you registered your child to sit for his/her exams.
Are broken scales allowed for Mathematics 0580 exam?
Also, are they allowed in other subjects such as Biology 0610 ans Physics 0625, if graphs do come up in those exams?
Thanks in advance.
Hey Hasitha,
IGCSE won’t look at your scale, but you will, for sure, be needing a suitable length of measuring equipment in your exam (E.g. Loci in Math, Magnification in Biology, Resultant force in physics, e.t.c.). It really doesn’t matter as long as you have a suitable scale (e.g. Millimetres or centimetres) on your scale. I’m pretty sure you’re almost done with IGCSEs but anyways…
Hi IGCSE Center , I am a home-schooler that really needs help. I have been looking around the web to see what is required for a home-schooler such as me to “pass” the IGCSE exams without being in school. So far I have found little to nothing and I am desperately seeking answers. What exactly is required of me to pass IGCSE as a homeschooler if I register through the British council? I really need help in how many or which subjects I should be taking, if you guys could help or provide links where I can find these answers it would be much appreciated. Thank you
Hi Nicholas,
First of all, please let us know what would you like to study in the future? We could plan downward from there 🙂
Dear IGCSE Team,
Apart from the use of calculators, are we allowed to use the french curves when plotting graghs in IGCSE Mathematics 0580….
Thanks in advance.
Hey. Urgent please. I want to know what subjects shall I study to be a psychiatrist? OLs and AL
Thanks in advance
i advice you to take Math, as its important for everything. English obviously. Sociology is important as it talks about people and societies. the sciences ( biology physics and chemistry ) they are core subjects. If you can take another language that would be better and then you need 1 more subject to complete your 8 o levels… you can take ict as its easy and useful. for A levels you can take Sociology and Psychology
For psychiatry you must first obtain a medical degree before specialising. Sociology and psychology are much less useful than physics chemistry and biology at A level. If you don’t study these in school you will need to do a foundation course at uni.
Hey. Urgent please. I want to know what subjects shall I study to be a psychiatrist ? OLs and AL
I am from India.Do we need to use fx-82 MS since its screen size is so small it is difficult to use.
Hi Anagh,
You must get the confirmation from your school.