Inequalities (8300 - Higher - Algebra)

Topic:Inequalities

Specification references (in recommended teaching order)

Specification content Specification notes
A22
  • Solve linear inequalities in one or two variables and quadratic inequalities in one variable
  • Represent the solution set on a number line, using set notation and on a graph

  • know the conventions of an open circle on a number line for a strict inequality and a closed circle for an included boundary
  • in graphical work the convention of a dashed line for strict inequalities and a solid line for an included inequality will be required


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

Quadratic inequalities PowerPoint (part of Higher tier teaching pack)
Downloadable resource in ppt format. 29/04/2016
Quadratic inequalities resources (part of Higher tier teaching pack)
Downloadable resource in doc format. 29/04/2016

Diagnostic Questions - inequalities 1
AQA have teamed up with Craig Barton's Diagnostic Questions website to share free diagnostic questions assessment for our new 2017 GCSE Maths specification.21/07/2017
Diagnostic Questions - inequalities 2
AQA have teamed up with Craig Barton's Diagnostic Questions website to share free diagnostic questions assessment for our new 2017 GCSE Maths specification.21/07/2017
Diagnostic Questions - inequalities 3
AQA have teamed up with Craig Barton's Diagnostic Questions website to share free diagnostic questions assessment for our new 2017 GCSE Maths specification.21/07/2017

Mathematics Assessment Project - Evaulating Statements about Number Operations
A lesson plan and associated resources in which students work on collaborative activities to evaluate worded statements about number operations.19/08/2015
Mathematics Assessment Project - Representing Inequalities Graphically
A lesson plan and associated resources which involve drawing straight lines to identify regions on grids and includes collaborative inequality games.19/08/2015

Identifying and Shading Inequalities
A worksheet in which students must draw regions in a coordinate grid and recognise regions already drawn (note that the required region is shaded on these resources - The Teacher Guidance document for AQA (A22h, page 83) advises shading the non-required region. You will need to register for a TES account to access this resource, this is free of charge. 19/08/2015
Inequalities number lines
An interactive resource in which students drag the correct arrows to represent the given inequalities on number lines.18/08/2015
Inequalities Tarsia
A hexagonal tarsia involving solving linear inequalities. You will need to register for a TES account to access this resource, this is free of charge. 19/08/2015
Inequality Street
A fun powerpoint involving forming and solving linear inequalities relating to written statements about chocolates. You will need to register for a TES account to access this resource, this is free of charge. 19/08/2015
Mathematics Assessment Project - Evaulating Statements about Number Operations
A lesson plan and associated resources in which students work on collaborative activities to evaluate worded statements about number operations.19/08/2015
Mathematics Assessment Project - Representing Inequalities Graphically
A lesson plan and associated resources which involve drawing straight lines to identify regions on grids and includes collaborative inequality games.19/08/2015
Maths is Fun - Solving Inequalities
An introduction to solving linear inequalities followed by ten online questions.19/08/2015

Quadratic inequalities - Spot the Mistake
A worksheet which illustrates clearly how the method of solving quadratic inequalities should be presented - however, students must identify where the errors occur in the solutions provided and correct these. You will need to register for a TES account to access this resource, this is free of charge. 19/08/2015
Set notation for inequalities
A straightforward worksheet in which students must convert between inequalities represented on number lines and set notation. You will need to register for a TES account to access this resource, this is free of charge. 19/08/2015

Equations and inequalities - Worksheet 1
Downloadable resource in doc format. 10/04/2010
Equations and inequalities - Worksheet 2
Downloadable resource in doc format. 09/04/2010
Inequalities in 1 and 2 variables - Activity for lesson Plan 1
Downloadable resource in doc format. 27/05/2010
Inequalities in 1 and 2 variables - Homework Sheet and Mark Scheme
Downloadable resource in doc format. 08/04/2010
Inequalities in 1 and 2 variables - Lesson plan 1
Downloadable resource in doc format. 27/06/2010
Inequalities in 1 and 2 variables - Worksheet 1 and Answers
Downloadable resource in doc format. 27/05/2010

Topic Tests

8300 GCSE Higher Inequalities Mark Scheme
Downloadable resource in pdf format. 23/01/2023
8300 GCSE Higher Inequalities Topic Test
Downloadable resource in pdf format. 23/01/2023

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