Algebra and graphs (8300 - Foundation - Algebra)

Topic:Algebra and graphs

Specification references (in recommended teaching order)

Specification content Specification notes
A17
  • Solve linear equations in one unknown algebraically
  • Including those with the unknown on both sides of the equation
  • Find approximate solutions using a graph

  • including use of brackets

A21
  • Translate simple situations or procedures into algebraic expressions or formulae
  • derive an equation (or two simultaneous equations), solve the equation(s) and interpret the solution

  • including the solution of geometrical problems and problems set in context


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 - algebra and graphs 1
AQA have teamed up with Craig Barton's Diagnostic Questions website to share free diagnostic question assessment for the 2017 GCSE Maths specification.20/04/2017
Diagnostic Questions - algebra and graphs 2
AQA have teamed up with Craig Barton's Diagnostic Questions website to share free diagnostic question assessment for the 2017 GCSE Maths specification.26/04/2017
Diagnostic Questions - algebra and graphs 3
AQA have teamed up with Craig Barton's Diagnostic Questions website to share free diagnostic question assessment for the 2017 GCSE Maths specification.26/04/2017

Maths Assessment Project: Solving Linear Equations
A complete lesson of resources on the forming and solving of linear equations.02/09/2015
Standards Unit: Activities A2 (Creating&solving equations) & A3 (Creating&solving harder equations)
Two full lessons of resources involving the forming and solving of equations.02/09/2015

Puzzles that you could use algebra to solve
A number of puzzles which can be used to form and solve linear equations.02/09/2015
Standards Unit: Activities A2 (Creating&solving equations) & A3 (Creating&solving harder equations)
Two full lessons of resources involving the forming and solving of equations.02/09/2015
Transum: eQuations
An online equation generator with five types of equations, each with three levels of demand. The answers can be chosen to be positive, negative or mixed.02/09/2015

Forming and solving equations
A worksheet in which students form and solve equations in a range of real life scenarios. 02/09/2015
Simultaneous scenarios
A worksheet in which students form and solve pairs of simultaneous equations and solve these to find the solution to a problem.02/09/2015
Solving Equations
A straightforward worksheet in which students use a picture to form an equation and then solve the equation. 02/09/2015
Solving equations from geometrical information (perimeter and angles)
Worksheets involving forming and solving equations using geometrical information involving angles and perimeter. You will need to register for a TES account to access this resource, this is free of charge. 02/09/2015
Standards Unit: Activities A2 (Creating&solving equations) & A3 (Creating&solving harder equations)
Two full lessons of resources involving the forming and solving of equations.02/09/2015

Topic Tests

8300 GCSE Foundation Equation of a Line Practice Mark Scheme
Downloadable resource in pdf format. 03/03/2023
8300 GCSE Foundation Equation of a Line Practice Topic Test
Downloadable resource in pdf format. 03/03/2023
8300 GCSE Foundation Solving Simultaneous Equations Graphically Mark Scheme


01/10/2022
8300 GCSE Foundation Solving Simultaneous Equations Graphically Topic Test
Downloadable resource in pdf format. 01/10/2022

Create, edit, and share assessments quickly and easily with Exampro Mathematics