Basic algebra review (8300 - Higher - Algebra)

Topic:Basic algebra review

Specification references (in recommended teaching order)

Specification content Specification notes
A1
  • Use and interpret algebraic notation, including: 
       
       
 
  • coefficients written as fractions rather than as decimals
  • brackets

  • it is expected that answers will be given in their simplest form without an explicit instruction to do so

N3
  • Use conventional notation for priority of operations, including brackets, powers, roots and reciprocals


A3
  • understand and use the concepts and vocabulary of expressions, equations, formulae, identities, inequalities, terms and factors

  • this will be implicitly and explicitly assessed

A4
  • Simplify and manipulate algebraic expressions (including those involving surds) by:
    • collecting like terms
    • multiplying a single term over a bracket
    • taking out common factors



    The subject content (above) matches that set out in the Department for Education’s Mathematics GCSE subject content and assessment objectives document.

    The expectation is that:

    • All students will develop confidence and competence with the content identified by standard type
    • All students will be assessed on the content identified by the standard and the underlined type; more highly attaining students will develop confidence and competence with all of this content
    • Only the more highly attaining students will be assessed on the content identified by bold type. The highest attaining students will develop confidence and competence with the bold content.

    Teaching resources

    Teaching resources - see below
    Downloadable resource in format. 29/08/2014

    Diagnostic Questions - Basic Algebra
    AQA have teamed up with Craig Barton's Diagnostic Questions website to share free diagnostic question assessment for our new 2017 GCSE Maths specification.26/02/2016

    Algebra Match and Algebra Sort
    Two activities which provide the opportunity for students to consider the order of operations in the formation of expressions. The activities are on pages 25 and 35 of the document. You will need to register for an account to access this resource, this is free of charge.20/05/2015
    Arithmagons
    Arithmagon - Algebra 1 offers practice at adding and subtracting algebraic expressions. Students can also investigate the link between the sum of the circles and the sum of the squares (the last two slides of the powerpoint provide a proof of the result). 19/05/2015
    Equivalent Expressions
    This activity is on p37 of the document and requires students to match up a number of different expressions into those that are equivalent. You will need to register for an account to access this resource, this is free of charge.20/05/2015
    Expressions, Equations, Identities and Formulas
    A matching activity which encourages students to engage with the differences between expressions, equations, identities and formulae. You will need to register for a TES account to access this resource, this is free of charge. 19/05/2015
    Tarsia- Simplifying Expressions
    A tarsia card-matching activity in which students match up equivalent expressions to a form a hexagon shape. (NB One card involves expansion of a double bracket - this could form an extension activity) You will need to register for a TES account to access this resource, this is free of charge. 19/05/2015

    Factorise into single brackets only starter
    A starter powerpoint which provides practice of factorising over a single bracket. You will need to register for a TES account to access this resource, this is free of charge. 19/05/2015
    Nincompoop
    Quick starter activity which involves identifying the 'odd expression out' - there are three levels of difficulty. Useful as a starter or plenary activity. 19/05/2015

    Algebraic manipulation and formulae - Factorising - Lesson plan
    Downloadable resource in doc format. 14/07/2010
    Algebraic manipulation and formulae - Homework Sheet and Mark Scheme
    Downloadable resource in doc format. 03/02/2010
    Algebraic manipulation and formulae - Homework Sheet and Mark Scheme
    Downloadable resource in doc format. 02/01/2010
    Algebraic manipulation and formulae - Identities and equations - Lesson plan
    Downloadable resource in doc format. 15/10/2010
    Algebraic manipulation and formulae - Identities and equations - Powerpoint
    Downloadable resource in ppt format. 18/09/2010
    Algebraic manipulation and formulae - Identities and equations - Worksheet
    Downloadable resource in doc format. 17/08/2010
    Algebraic manipulation and formulae - Multiplying a single term over a bracket - Lesson plan
    Downloadable resource in doc format. 13/06/2010
    Algebraic manipulation and formulae - Multiplying a single term over a bracket - Worksheet and Answers
    Downloadable resource in doc format. 14/05/2010
    Algebraic manipulation and formulae - Use of letters - Lesson plan
    Downloadable resource in doc format. 16/12/2010
    Algebraic manipulation and formulae - Use of letters - Worksheet and Answers
    Downloadable resource in doc format. 19/11/2010
    Algebraic proof - Brackets - Lesson starter
    Downloadable resource in doc format. 01/06/2010

    Topic Tests

    8300 GCSE Higher Basic Algebra Mark Scheme
    Downloadable resource in pdf format. 22/09/2022
    8300 GCSE Higher Basic Algebra Topic Test
    Downloadable resource in pdf format. 22/09/2022
    8300 GCSE Higher Expanding Triple Brackets Mark Scheme
    Downloadable resource in pdf format. 22/09/2022
    8300 GCSE Higher Expanding Triple Brackets Topic Test
    Downloadable resource in pdf format. 22/09/2022

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