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100+ Free HKDSE Maths M1 Practice Questions

Pass your HKDSE Mathematics Extended Part Module 1 (Calculus and Statistics) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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For a sample of size n, the sample variance s^2 that is an unbiased estimator of the population variance uses which divisor?

A
B
C
D
to track
2026 Statistics

Key Facts: HKDSE Maths M1 Exam

HKDSE M1 is a single 2.5-hour, 100-mark conventional paper split into Section A (50 marks) and Section B (50 marks), covering calculus and statistics and graded on the 5**-to-U HKDSE level scale.

Sample HKDSE Maths M1 Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your HKDSE Maths M1 exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1In the expansion of (1 + 2x)^5, what is the coefficient of x^3?
A.80
B.40
C.10
D.32
Explanation: The general term is C(5, r)(2x)^r. For x^3, r = 3, giving C(5, 3) * 2^3 = 10 * 8 = 80.
2What is the constant term in the expansion of (1 + x)^4?
A.4
B.1
C.0
D.6
Explanation: The constant term corresponds to r = 0: C(4, 0)x^0 = 1. Setting x = 0 in (1+x)^4 also gives 1.
3Using the exponential series, the expansion of e^x in ascending powers of x begins with which terms?
A.x + x^2/2 + x^3/3 + ...
B.1 - x + x^2 - x^3 + ...
C.1 + x + x^2/2! + x^3/3! + ...
D.1 + x + x^2 + x^3 + ...
Explanation: The exponential series is e^x = sum of x^n/n! = 1 + x + x^2/2! + x^3/3! + ... This series converges for all real x and is fundamental in M1.
4Which series correctly gives the expansion of ln(1 + x) for |x| < 1?
A.1 + x + x^2/2! + ...
B.x + x^2/2 + x^3/3 + ...
C.x - x^3/3 + x^5/5 - ...
D.x - x^2/2 + x^3/3 - x^4/4 + ...
Explanation: ln(1 + x) = x - x^2/2 + x^3/3 - x^4/4 + ... for |x| < 1. The signs alternate and the denominators are the natural numbers.
5Solve for x: e^(2x) = 7. Give the value to 4 decimal places.
A.0.9730
B.1.9459
C.1.2528
D.0.8451
Explanation: Taking natural logs: 2x = ln 7, so x = (ln 7)/2 = 1.945910.../2 = 0.9730 to 4 d.p.
6A population grows according to N = 200 e^(0.05t), where t is in years. What is the population when t = 10? (4 d.p.)
A.300.0000
B.329.7443
C.210.2542
D.271.8282
Explanation: N = 200 e^(0.05*10) = 200 e^0.5 = 200 * 1.648721... = 329.7443 to 4 d.p.
7The term independent of x in the expansion of (2x + 3/x)^4 contains which power of x as its core? What is that constant term?
A.96
B.324
C.216
D.144
Explanation: General term: C(4,r)(2x)^(4-r)(3/x)^r = C(4,r)2^(4-r)3^r x^(4-2r). For independence, 4 - 2r = 0, so r = 2: C(4,2)*2^2*3^2 = 6*4*9 = 216.
8If ln a = 2 and ln b = 3, what is the value of ln(a^2 / b)?
A.7
B.-1
C.4
D.1
Explanation: ln(a^2/b) = 2 ln a - ln b = 2(2) - 3 = 4 - 3 = 1, using the laws of logarithms.
9Using the first two terms of the series for e^x, the approximation e^0.02 is closest to which value?
A.1.0200
B.0.0200
C.1.0002
D.1.2000
Explanation: e^x is approximately 1 + x for small x, so e^0.02 is approximately 1 + 0.02 = 1.0200. The exact value 1.02020... confirms this is a good approximation.
10What is the coefficient of x^2 in the expansion of e^(3x) using the exponential series?
A.3
B.9/2
C.9
D.1/2
Explanation: e^(3x) = 1 + 3x + (3x)^2/2! + ... The x^2 term is (3x)^2/2! = 9x^2/2, so the coefficient is 9/2.

About the HKDSE Maths M1 Exam

Mathematics Extended Part Module 1 (Calculus and Statistics) is an optional extension to the HKDSE Mathematics Compulsory Part, taken by students who need more mathematics for science, engineering, business and social-science pathways. It is assessed by a single public examination paper of 2 hours 30 minutes carrying 100 marks, made up entirely of conventional questions. The paper is split into Section A (50 marks, 8-12 short questions) and Section B (50 marks, 3-5 long questions), with all questions attempted. The syllabus covers a Foundation Knowledge area (binomial expansion, exponential and logarithmic functions), a Calculus area (differentiation, integration and their applications, plus the trapezoidal rule), and a Statistics area (binomial, geometric, Poisson and normal distributions, sampling and estimation). Results are reported on the HKDSE level scale and are used for university admission through JUPAS and, internationally, via UCAS tariff points.

Questions

100 scored questions

Time Limit

2 hours 30 minutes

Passing Score

Graded on the HKDSE levels 5**, 5*, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 and U; the Extended Part level is reported separately from the Compulsory Part.

Exam Fee

2026 HKDSE: HK$519 per subject (school candidates and permanent-HKID private candidates); HK$1,119 per subject for non-permanent-resident private candidates. (Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA))

HKDSE Maths M1 Exam Content Outline

12%

Foundation Knowledge

Binomial expansion of (a+b)^n, the number e and the exponential/logarithmic series, natural logarithms, and exponential growth and decay models.

42%

Calculus

Limits and the derivative, differentiation rules (chain, product, quotient, implicit), second derivatives, applications to rate of change, maxima/minima and curve sketching, indefinite and definite integration, area, and the trapezoidal rule.

46%

Statistics

Conditional probability and Bayes' theorem, discrete random variables and expectation, binomial, geometric and Poisson distributions, the normal distribution and its applications, sampling, point and interval estimation, and basic hypothesis-testing and correlation/regression ideas.

How to Pass the HKDSE Maths M1 Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Graded on the HKDSE levels 5**, 5*, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 and U; the Extended Part level is reported separately from the Compulsory Part.
  • Exam length: 100 questions
  • Time limit: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Exam fee: 2026 HKDSE: HK$519 per subject (school candidates and permanent-HKID private candidates); HK$1,119 per subject for non-permanent-resident private candidates.

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

HKDSE Maths M1 Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master the Compulsory Part and Secondary 1-3 foundation topics first; M1 assumes that prior knowledge as a prerequisite.
2Learn to identify which discrete distribution (binomial, geometric or Poisson) a problem describes before computing probabilities, since choosing the right model is the most common stumbling block.
3Drill differentiation rules (chain, product, quotient, implicit) and integration techniques (substitution, parts, f'/f logarithmic form) until they are automatic.
4Practise standardising values to z-scores and reading normal-distribution tables, since normal-distribution applications appear in nearly every paper.
5Show all working clearly and give answers exact or to 4 decimal places, because Section B long questions award method marks.
6Work through past papers under the 2.5-hour time limit, allocating about half your time to the 50-mark Section A short questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HKDSE Mathematics Module 1?

Module 1 (Calculus and Statistics) is one of two optional Extended Part modules of HKDSE Mathematics, taken in addition to the Compulsory Part. It emphasises applied calculus and probability/statistics and is popular with students heading into business, social sciences and life sciences.

How long is the M1 examination and how is it structured?

M1 consists of a single paper lasting 2 hours 30 minutes and carrying 100 marks. Section A has 50 marks (8-12 short questions) and Section B has 50 marks (3-5 long questions); candidates must attempt all questions, which are all conventional (long-answer), with no multiple-choice section.

How is M1 graded?

M1 is reported on the HKDSE seven-level scale with distinction sublevels: 5**, 5*, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, and U (Unclassified) below Level 1. The Extended Part result is reported separately from the Compulsory Part level.

What is the difference between M1 and M2?

Module 1 (Calculus and Statistics) focuses on applied calculus and statistics (distributions, estimation), while Module 2 (Algebra and Calculus) focuses on pure algebra (mathematical induction, matrices, vectors) and more rigorous calculus. Students may take at most one of the two modules.

Are calculators allowed in the M1 exam?

Yes. Approved electronic calculators and mathematical drawing instruments may be used. Unless otherwise specified, numerical answers should be given exactly or correct to 4 decimal places.

How much does it cost to sit HKDSE M1 in 2026?

For the 2026 HKDSE, school candidates and permanent-HKID private candidates pay HK$519 per non-language subject such as M1; non-permanent-resident private candidates pay HK$1,119 per subject, plus a HK$595 initial fee for private candidates.