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Notation, vocabulary and manipulation
Algebraic notation, vocabulary and manipulation covers simplifying expressions, expanding brackets, factorising and using precise symbolic language without confusing expressions, equations and identities.
14
Objectives
70
Flashcards
70
Questions
90 min
Study time
AQAGCSEMathematicsAlgebra
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Syllabus checklist
What you need to know
14 objective pages available
Algebraic notation1 objectives
- [Foundation and Higher] Use and interpret algebraic notation for products, powers, division, fractional coefficients and brackets.
Substitution1 objectives
- [Foundation and Higher] Substitute numerical values into formulae and expressions, including scientific formulae supplied in a question.
Algebraic vocabulary2 objectives
- [Foundation and Higher] Understand and use algebraic vocabulary for expressions, equations, formulae, inequalities, terms and factors.
- [Higher only] Include identities within algebraic vocabulary and reasoning.
Manipulating expressions3 objectives
- [Foundation and Higher] Simplify and manipulate algebraic expressions by collecting like terms, expanding a single term over a bracket, taking out common factors and using index laws.
- [Foundation and Higher] Expand products of two binomials and factorise quadratics of the form x^2 + bx + c where appropriate.
- [Higher only] Manipulate expressions involving surds and algebraic fractions, expand products of two or more binomials and factorise quadratics of the form ax^2 + bx + c.
Formulae and rearranging2 objectives
- [Foundation and Higher] Understand and use standard mathematical formulae, including formulae written in words and symbols.
- [Foundation and Higher] Rearrange formulae to change the subject.
Identities and algebraic proof3 objectives
- [Foundation and Higher] Know the difference between an equation and an identity.
- [Foundation and Higher] Use algebra to show that expressions are equivalent and to support or construct mathematical arguments.
- [Higher only] Construct algebraic proofs where required.
Functions2 objectives
- [Foundation and Higher] Interpret simple expressions as functions with inputs and outputs where appropriate.
- [Higher only] Interpret inverse functions and composite functions using expected function notation.
Key terms
algebraic notationformulaeexpressionhighersimplifyexpandformulaequationargumentprooffunctioninverse function
Exam tips
- Algebraic notation exam tip 1: Write the method before the answer so the examiner can follow each step. Apply this to [Foundation and Higher] Use and interpret algebraic notation for products, powers, division, fractional coefficients and brackets..
- Substitution exam tip 1: Write the method before the answer so the examiner can follow each step. Apply this to [Foundation and Higher] Substitute numerical values into formulae and expressions, including scientific formulae supplied in a question..
Common mistakes
- Algebraic notation common mistake 1: Show the method first, then give the final answer in the required form. Apply this directly to Algebraic notation.
- Substitution common mistake 1: Show the method first, then give the final answer in the required form. Apply this directly to Substitution.
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