A-Level Further Maths · Decision Mathematics
Critical Path Analysis
What is it
Critical path analysis finds the longest sequence of dependent tasks in a project (the 'critical path'), determining the minimum possible time to complete the whole project and identifying which tasks have no slack time.
Why it matters
This is genuinely applied, real-world mathematics — critical path analysis is used constantly in construction, software development, and event planning to schedule projects and identify which tasks, if delayed, would delay the entire project.
Exam tip
Calculate both the earliest start times (working forwards through the network) and the latest start times (working backwards) before identifying the critical path — the critical path consists of every activity where these two times are equal, with zero float.
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