VCE Maths

VCE Mathematical Methods Past Exams and Worked Solutions

Access VCE Mathematical Methods past exams with worked solutions, exam tips, VCAA resources and revision strategies to prepare for Methods Exams 1 and 2.

Published 14 September 2026  •   •  6 min read

By Manoj Arachige
Photo by Luka Savcic / Unsplash

If you're studying VCE Mathematical Methods, past exams should be one of the biggest parts of your exam preparation.

Methods is a subject where knowing the theory is only half the battle. You also need to recognise unfamiliar question types, work efficiently under pressure, know when to use your CAS and avoid the small algebra mistakes that can cost you easy marks.

Fortunately, VCAA provides years of VCE Mathematical Methods past exams, assessment guides and examiner reports to practise with.

To make things easier, we've compiled the key VCE Mathematical Methods past exams below alongside KIS worked solutions and revision resources, so you can spend less time searching and more time actually preparing.

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What is the VCE Mathematical Methods exam format?

VCE Mathematical Methods has two end-of-year examinations. The two exams test similar mathematical content but require very different approaches.

Mathematical Methods Exam 1

Exam 1 has:

  • 15 minutes reading time
  • 1 hour writing time
  • 40 marks
  • no calculator or CAS
  • no notes or bound reference
  • a VCAA formula sheet provided.

For example, the current-format 2024 paper contained nine questions worth a total of 40 marks. Current VCAA rules continue to prohibit calculators in Mathematical Methods Examination 1.

Exam 1 therefore tests your ability to perform mathematics by hand.

You need to be confident with skills such as:

  • algebraic manipulation
  • differentiation
  • integration
  • probability
  • functions
  • exact values
  • solving equations
  • sketching and interpreting graphs.

This is why simply becoming good at using your CAS is not enough to do well in Methods.

Mathematical Methods Exam 2

Exam 2 has:

  • 15 minutes reading time
  • 2 hours writing time
  • 80 marks
  • an approved CAS calculator or CAS software
  • an optional scientific calculator
  • one approved bound reference
  • a VCAA formula sheet.

The current format contains:

  • Section A: 20 multiple-choice questions worth 20 marks
  • Section B: extended-response questions worth 60 marks.

VCE Mathematical Methods Past Exams and Worked Solutions

The current VCE Mathematics Study Design applies to exams from 2023 onwards, so these should be your highest-priority papers when preparing for the current exam format. VCAA also provides older exams, although it warns that exams from previous study designs may not accurately represent the current course.

2026
2025
2024
2023

Examinations relating to previous study designs

2023
2022
2021
2020
2019

🚀 Need Help with VCE Mathematical Methods?

Past exams are one of the best ways to prepare for Methods, but they’re most useful when you understand why you lost marks and how to avoid making the same mistakes again.

A KIS Academics VCE Mathematical Methods tutor can help you work through difficult past exam questions, improve your Exam 1 problem-solving, use your CAS more efficiently and target the topics holding your marks back.

Find a VCE Mathematical Methods tutor with KIS Academics and turn your practice exams into better results.

Extra Resources

VCE Maths Methods: The Ultimate Guide to ACEING Maths Methods - How to Ace VCE Maths Methods - Tips to Ace the VCE Maths Methods (updated 2025) | KIS Academics
Don’t get me wrong, Maths Methods is a very intense subject across units 1 through to 4 but there are strategies to make Maths Methods more manageable and set yourself up for success
KIS Academics BlogManoj Arachige

Frequently Asked Questions About VCE Mathematical Methods

Is VCE Mathematical Methods hard?

VCE Mathematical Methods is considered challenging because it combines algebra, functions, calculus and probability while requiring students to solve unfamiliar problems under time pressure.

However, Methods is also a subject where consistent practice can make a significant difference. Once you become familiar with common question types and strengthen your algebra, many questions become much more manageable.

What is the difference between Methods Exam 1 and Exam 2?

Exam 1 is a one-hour, 40-mark examination completed without calculators or notes.

Exam 2 is a two-hour, 80-mark examination where students may use approved CAS technology and one bound reference.

Can you use a calculator in VCE Methods Exam 1?

No. VCAA does not permit calculators or software of any kind in Mathematical Methods Examination 1.

Can you bring notes into the Methods exam?

You cannot bring notes into Exam 1. For Exam 2, students may bring one approved bound reference that meets VCAA requirements.

Are old VCE Methods exams still useful?

Yes, but prioritise papers from the current study design.

Older exams can still be excellent for practising algebra, calculus, functions and probability, but their structure and content may differ from the current exam. VCAA specifically warns that exams from previous study designs are not necessarily representative of the current examination.

How many VCE Methods practice exams should I do?

There is no required number. Aim to complete enough papers that you are comfortable with the exam format and can identify your recurring weaknesses.

Quality matters more than quantity. Every exam should be marked, analysed and followed by targeted revision.

Does VCE Mathematical Methods scale well?

Mathematical Methods has historically received positive scaling because of the strength of the cohort studying the subject. However, scaling changes from year to year and should not be the main reason you choose a VCE subject.

Your raw study score and performance should remain your priority.

Want more personalised guidance to help support you through your studies? Find a KIS Academics tutor today!

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