Numerical methods (8300 - Higher - Algebra)

Topic:Numerical methods

Specification references (in recommended teaching order)

Specification content Specification notes
A20
  • Find approximate solutions to equations numerically using iteration

  • including the use of suffix notation in recursive formulae


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

Numerical methods - all resources for 2 & 3 year route map - zip folder
Downloadable resource in zip format. 26/06/2015
Topic overview and lesson plans
Downloadable resource in doc format. 26/06/2015

Lesson 1 Activity 1
Downloadable resource in ppt format. 26/06/2015
Lesson 1 Activity 2
Downloadable resource in ppt format. 26/06/2015
Lesson 2 Activity 1
Downloadable resource in ppt format. 26/06/2015
Lesson 2 Activity 2
Downloadable resource in ppt format. 26/06/2015
Lesson 3 Activity 1
Downloadable resource in ppt format. 26/06/2015
Lesson 3 Activity 2
Downloadable resource in ppt format. 26/06/2015
Lesson 4 Activity 1
Downloadable resource in ppt format. 26/06/2015
Lesson 4 Activity 2
Downloadable resource in ppt format. 26/06/2015
Lesson 4 Activity 3
Downloadable resource in xls format. 26/06/2015

Lesson 1 Worksheet 1
Downloadable resource in doc format. 26/06/2015
Lesson 2 Worksheet 1
Downloadable resource in doc format. 26/06/2015
Lesson 3 Worksheet 1
Downloadable resource in doc format. 26/06/2015
Lesson 4 Worksheet 1
Downloadable resource in doc format. 26/06/2015

Lesson 1 Homework sheet 1
Downloadable resource in doc format. 26/06/2015
Lesson 2 Homework sheet 1
Downloadable resource in doc format. 26/06/2015
Lesson 3 Homework sheet 1
Downloadable resource in doc format. 26/06/2015
Lesson 4 Homework sheet 1
Downloadable resource in doc format. 26/06/2015

Diagnostic Questions - numerical methods 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 - numerical methods 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 - numerical methods 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

AQA Bridging the gap Pocket 4
A very useful introduction to iterative methods including an introduction to the suffix notation.21/08/2015
GCSE Bitesize - Trial and Improvement
An overview of the process for solving equations using trial and improvement.21/08/2015
Iteration Lesson
A powerpoint which shows how to rearrange an equation to form a recursive formula and use this to find approximate roots of an equation. You will need to register for a TES account to access this resource, this is free of charge. 21/08/2015

AQA Bridging the gap Pocket 4
A very useful introduction to iterative methods including an introduction to the suffix notation.21/08/2015
Iterations Tarsias
Two tarsia activities - the first involves matching up an equation with a suitable rearrangement in the form of an iterative formulae; the second involves identifying two values between which the root of an equation might lie (Note: The second tarsia involves the ln function so students will need to be shown where this is on their calculator. Calculators will also need to be set in radians for the questions involving trigonometry.) You will need to register for a TES account to access this resource, this is free of charge. 21/08/2015
Tarsia - Iteration
A tarsia activity in which students must solve equations using iterative methods, matching up cards to form an equilateral triangle (Note: Two of the cards involve the ln function so students will need showing where this is located on their calculator. Calculators will also need setting to radians.) You will need to register for a TES account to access this resource, this is free of charge. 21/08/2015
Trial and Improvement - Cluedo Murder Mystery
A fun activity in which students solve equations using trial and improvement, using their answers to identify the weapon, room, motive, evidence and murderer of Mr Al Gebra. You will need to register for a TES account to access this resource, this is free of charge. 21/08/2015
Trial and Improvement Investigation
An investigation along the theme of the game 'Thomas Was Alone' in which students must set up equations and solve them using trial and improvement. You will need to register for a TES account to access this resource, this is free of charge. 21/08/2015

AQA Bridging the gap Pocket 4
A very useful introduction to iterative methods including an introduction to the suffix notation.21/08/2015
Numerical Methods Worksheets B, C and D
These worksheets proide a range of questions involving numerical methods - a selection of questions could be chosen according to student ability. (Note: The worksheets involve log functions so students will need showing where this is locted on their calculator. Calculators will also need setting to radians for the questions involving trig functions.)21/08/2015
Trial and Improvement Golf game
Students solve 9 trial and improvement questions using as few guesses as possible, recording their number of 'shots' on their 'golf score card'. You will need to register for a TES account to access this resource, this is free of charge. 21/08/2015

Trial and improvement - Homework Sheet and Mark Scheme
Downloadable resource in doc format. 09/04/2010
Trial and improvement - Route 1 - Lesson plan
Downloadable resource in doc format. 30/06/2010
Trial and improvement - Route 1 - Powerpoint
Downloadable resource in ppt format. 30/05/2010
Trial and improvement - Route 1 - Resource sheet and Answers
Downloadable resource in doc format. 30/05/2010
Trial and improvement - Route 2 - Lesson plan 1
Downloadable resource in doc format. 30/06/2010
Trial and improvement - Route 2 - Lesson plan 2
Downloadable resource in doc format. 30/06/2010
Trial and improvement - Route 2 - Powerpoint 2
Downloadable resource in ppt format. 30/05/2010
Trial and improvement - Route 2 - Resource sheet 1 and Answers
Downloadable resource in doc format. 30/05/2010
Trial and improvement - Route 2 - Resource sheet 1a
Downloadable resource in doc format. 30/05/2010
Trial and improvement - Route 2 - Resource sheet 2 and Answers
Downloadable resource in doc format. 30/05/2010

Topic Tests

8300 GCSE Higher Iteration Mark Scheme
Downloadable resource in pdf format. 13/10/2022
8300 GCSE Higher Iteration Topic Test
Downloadable resource in pdf format. 13/10/2022

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