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

99+

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

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