Break-even analysis: past paper questions
Real questions on break-even analysis
The newest 20 of 64 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 9609/13 · May/June 2026 · Q6b[12]
Evaluate whether using break-even analysis is essential for the success of a new hotel.
See it on the paper → - 9609/21 · May/June 2026 · Q2b(ii)[3]
Explain one limitation to DW of using break‑even analysis to make pricing decisions.
See it on the paper → - 9609/12 · October/November 2025 · Q3a[2]
Define the term break-even analysis.
See it on the paper → - 9609/12 · October/November 2025 · Q3b[3]
Explain one limitation for a business of break-even analysis.
See it on the paper → - 9609/21 · October/November 2025 · Q2b(i)[3]
Refer to Table 2.1. Calculate the break-even level of output of the new face cream.
See it on the paper → - 9609/21 · October/November 2025 · Q2b(ii)[3]
Explain one limitation to NN of break-even analysis.
See it on the paper → - 9609/13 · May/June 2025 · Q5a[8]
Analyse two benefits to a business of using break-even analysis.
See it on the paper → - 9609/31 · May/June 2025 · Q5[12]
Evaluate the most effective method WS could use to improve investor return.
See it on the paper → - 9609/22 · February/March 2025 · Q1b(i)[3]
Refer to Table 1.1. Calculate the number of oranges that Frank needs to sell to break even in July 2025.
See it on the paper → - 9609/22 · February/March 2025 · Q1b(ii)[3]
Explain one limitation for Frank of using break-even analysis.
See it on the paper → - 9609/23 · October/November 2024 · Q2b(i)[3]
Refer to Table 2.1. Calculate VB’s breakeven level of output per month per restaurant.
See it on the paper → - 9609/21 · May/June 2024 · Q2b(i)[3]
Refer to Table 2.1. Calculate FD’s margin of safety in 2023.
See it on the paper → - 9609/22 · May/June 2024 · Q2b(ii)[3]
Explain one limitation for CS of using break-even analysis.
See it on the paper → - 9609/23 · May/June 2024 · Q2b(i)[3]
Calculate FW’s break-even output per month if the new payment method is introduced.
See it on the paper → - 9609/22 · February/March 2024 · Q1b(i)[3]
Refer to Fig. 1.1 and other information. Calculate the margin of safety in February.
See it on the paper → - 9609/22 · February/March 2024 · Q1b(ii)[3]
Explain one way that Zoe and Luis can use break-even analysis.
See it on the paper → - 9609/11 · October/November 2023 · Q3a[2]
Define the term margin of safety.
See it on the paper → - 9609/11 · October/November 2023 · Q3b[3]
Explain one way a business can decrease its break-even level of output.
See it on the paper → - 9609/22 · October/November 2023 · Q2b(i)[3]
Calculate BB’s fixed costs last month. (b) (i)
See it on the paper → - 9609/22 · October/November 2023 · Q2b(ii)[3]
Explain one limitation for BB of using break‑even analysis. (ii)
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
This question called for a good level of understanding of break-even analysis. Candidates who were confident in their understanding of the break-even formula made quick work of answering this question and moving on. However, many candidates tried different combinations of the figures in an attempt to make some sense. This often led to large amounts of working, and there was not always a clear rout...
— Examiner report, February/March 2025, 9609/22 Q1(b)(i) (Cambridge)
This question follows on from Question 1(b)(i) and it was hoped that candidates would use their answer from Question 1(b)(i) to respond to this question. However, the majority of candidates either ignored the context or used a different piece of context in their answer. A good answer to this question required three elements. First knowledge of a limitation of break even analysis. Without this bas...
— Examiner report, February/March 2025, 9609/22 Q1(b)(ii) (Cambridge)
There are several alternative ways to express the definition for ‘margin of safety’ and most responses were able to gain both marks. A clear definition should refer to current and breakeven levels. Some candidates gave the partial definition of ‘above break-even point’. Some candidates chose to draw a break-even graph and label the margin of safety as the area above the break-even point. If the gr...
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9609/11 Q3(a) (Cambridge)
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