Hong Kong
HKDSE Mathematics Compulsory Part
The core mathematics subject of the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education: Paper 1 with conventional questions and Paper 2 with multiple-choice questions, covering number and algebra, measures, shape and space, and data handling. Set by the HKEAA.
Exam Format
Questions
Paper 1 has three sections, all compulsory: Section A(1) with 8 to 11 elementary questions (35 marks), Section A(2) with 4 to 7 harder questions (35 marks) and Section B with 4 to 7 questions (35 marks). Paper 2 is all multiple choice: Section A, worth two thirds of the paper mark, tests the Foundation Topics, and Section B, worth one third, adds the Non-foundation Topics. Both papers also assume Secondary 1-3 mathematics.
Duration
Paper 1 lasts 2¼ hours and Paper 2 lasts 1¼ hours. In 2027 both papers are on Monday 12 April.
Scoring
Paper 1 counts for 65% and Paper 2 for 35%. Results are reported in levels 1 to 5; the best level 5 candidates receive 5** and the next group 5*, and performance below level 1 is Unclassified. 2027 results are expected around 14 July 2027 (tentative date).
Calculator
Calculators, rulers, compasses, protractors and set-squares are allowed on both papers. The calculator must be on the HKEAA list of permitted calculators and carry its "H.K.E.A.A. APPROVED" or "H.K.E.A. APPROVED" label; models with graphic or word displays are not allowed. In Paper 1, show all working and give numerical answers exact or correct to 3 significant figures unless told otherwise.
Study Strategies
- 1Secure Section A(1) of Paper 1 first: its 8 to 11 elementary questions carry 35 of the paper's 105 marks and test Foundation Topics, so accuracy there is worth more than one hard question in Section B.
- 2Train Paper 2 as a separate skill: 75 minutes of multiple choice in which two thirds of the paper mark comes from Section A, so fast and reliable recall of Foundation Topics and Secondary 1-3 content decides most of the score.
- 3Give geometry and trigonometry real time: in the EDB's suggested lesson time, "More about trigonometry" (25 hours) and "Basic properties of circles" (23 hours) are the two largest learning units of the Compulsory Part.
- 4Write every step in Paper 1: unless a question says otherwise, all working must be clearly shown and numerical answers must be exact or correct to 3 significant figures.
- 5Sit full past papers back to back, Paper 1 and then Paper 2 as on exam day, with the exact HKEAA-approved calculator you will bring, and review every lost mark by learning unit.
How Math Zen Helps
Math Zen's HKDSE Maths (Compulsory) path drills the Compulsory Part: quadratic equations and complex numbers, functions and graphs, exponentials and logarithms, polynomials, variations, sequences, inequalities and linear programming, straight lines and circles, loci, trigonometry in degrees, permutations and combinations, probability, and measures of dispersion. It cannot grade written geometric proofs and its circle-theorem questions have no figures, so pair it with past papers for the long questions of Paper 1.
Topics Covered
Arithmetic
7 subtopics, 19 templates
Algebra
10 subtopics, 29 templates
Complex Numbers
4 subtopics, 10 templates
Functions
5 subtopics, 10 templates
Graph Analysis
4 subtopics, 10 templates
Logarithms
4 subtopics, 9 templates
Sequences & Series
7 subtopics, 17 templates
Geometry
12 subtopics, 29 templates
Trigonometry
5 subtopics, 12 templates
Probability
7 subtopics, 16 templates
Statistics
8 subtopics, 16 templates
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Not available in app stores in mainland China.