OCR A-Level Further Mathematics B (MEI) Past Papers & Mark Schemes

OCR Further Mathematics B (MEI) — specification H645 — takes a fundamentally different approach to optional content compared to Further Mathematics A. Instead of choosing two equal-weight options, students select one major option (worth more marks and covering deeper content) and one minor option (a shorter, introductory treatment). This asymmetric design lets students specialise more deeply in one applied area. The compulsory Core Pure paper (Y640, 2 hours 15 minutes, 100 marks) covers the essential further pure content: complex numbers, matrices, vectors in three dimensions, polar coordinates, hyperbolic functions, further calculus, series and proof by induction. It represents approximately 36% of the total A-Level. Major options (each 2 hours 15 minutes, 100 marks, approximately 36%) offer in-depth treatment: Mechanics Major covers momentum and collisions in two dimensions, circular motion, centres of mass, and variable force problems using calculus; Statistics Major covers continuous distributions, hypothesis testing for means and proportions, and bivariate data analysis including regression and correlation. Minor options (each 1 hour 15 minutes, 75 marks, approximately 28%) provide foundational coverage: Mechanics Minor covers impulse, circular motion basics, and work-energy; Statistics Minor covers discrete and continuous distributions and hypothesis testing. Two additional specialist options exist that no other board offers: Modelling with Algorithms (major or minor) covers network optimisation, linear programming, game theory, and simulation; Numerical Methods (major, 2 hours 15 minutes) covers iterative methods, numerical integration, and solution of differential equations computationally. The Further Pure with Technology paper allows use of computer algebra systems (CAS) and graph-plotting software during the exam itself — a genuinely unique assessment format. The total A-Level mark is 275 (Core Pure 100 + major option 100 + minor option 75). All papers allow calculator use.