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Learning objective

1. Simplify algebraic expressions by combining like terms, ensuring the result is in its simplest form, for example, transforming 2a + 3ab - 1 + 5a - 9ab + 4 into 7a - 6ab + 3. 2. Expand products of algebraic expressions, such as 3x(2x - 4y) and (3x + y)(x - 4y), including cases with more than two brackets like (x - 2)(x + 3)(2x + 1). 3. Factor expressions by taking out common factors, fully factorising them, for instance, converting 9x + 15xy into 3x(3x + 5y). 4. Factor expressions of specific forms, including: • ax + bx + kay + kby • ax - by • a + 2ab + b • ax + bx + c • ax + bx + cx. 5. Complete the square for expressions structured as ax² + bx + c.

Read the explanation, check the common trap, then practise with flashcards and questions.

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  • Read the explanation.
  • Check key terms.
  • Practise with linked questions.
Cambridge IGCSE MathematicsExtended Algebra and graphsSupplement content

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Quick explanation

1. Simplify algebraic expressions by combining like terms, ensuring the result is in its simplest form, for example, transforming 2a + 3ab - 1 + 5a - 9ab + 4 into 7a - 6ab + 3. 2. Expand products of algebraic expressions, such as 3x(2x - 4y) and (3x + y)(x - 4y), including cases with more than two brackets like (x - 2)(x + 3)(2x + 1). 3. Factor expressions by taking out common factors, fully factorising them, for instance, converting 9x + 15xy into 3x(3x + 5y). 4. Factor expressions of specific forms, including: • ax + bx + kay + kby • ax - by • a + 2ab + b • ax + bx + c • ax + bx + cx. 5. Complete the square for expressions structured as ax² + bx + c

  • This point belongs to Algebraic manipulation, especially Algebraic manipulation outcomes.
  • You need to be able to 1. Simplify algebraic expressions by combining like terms, ensuring the result is in its simplest form, for example, transforming 2a + 3ab - 1 + 5a - 9ab + 4 into 7a - 6ab + 3. 2. Expand products of algebraic expressions, such as 3x(2x - 4y) and (3x + y)(x - 4y), including cases with more than two brackets like (x - 2)(x + 3)(2x + 1). 3. Factor expressions by taking out common factors, fully factorising them, for instance, converting 9x + 15xy into 3x(3x + 5y). 4. Factor expressions of specific forms, including: • ax + bx + kay + kby • ax - by • a + 2ab + b • ax + bx + c • ax + bx + cx. 5. Complete the square for expressions structured as ax² + bx + c.
  • The key ideas to know are Calculate, Determine, and Show.
  • Use the linked flashcards and practice questions to check recall, then practise applying the idea in an exam-style answer.

Key concepts

CalculateDetermineShowWrite

Why it matters

This objective helps connect Algebraic manipulation outcomes to exam-style questions, flashcards, and revision notes for Algebraic manipulation.

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Paper 2 structured question: Algebraic manipulation

Paper 2Core or Extended Mathematics4 marks

Description

Expression Simplification and Factoring

Given the expression: 5a + 7ab - 3 + 2a - 9ab + 8.

  1. a

    Calculate Simplify the expression by combining like terms.

    Aim for approximately 2 distinct marking points.

    [2]
  2. b

    Calculate Factorise the expression 9x + 15xy completely.

    Aim for approximately 2 distinct marking points.

    [2]
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