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Algebra

7 dot points across 7 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How do you expand brackets, factorise expressions, simplify algebraic fractions and rearrange formulae?

Algebraic manipulation: simplifying expressions, expanding single and double brackets, factorising (common factors, quadratics and the difference of two squares), and rearranging (changing the subject of) formulae.
A focused answer to the Edexcel GCSE Mathematics algebra content on algebraic manipulation, covering simplifying expressions, expanding single and double brackets, factorising including the difference of two squares, and changing the subject of a formula.
10 min answer →

How do you solve and represent inequalities, and recognise and sketch quadratic, cubic, reciprocal and exponential graphs?

Solving linear and quadratic inequalities and representing solutions on number lines and graphs, and recognising and sketching the graphs of quadratic, cubic, reciprocal and exponential functions.
A focused answer to the Edexcel GCSE Mathematics algebra content on inequalities and non-linear graphs, covering solving linear and quadratic inequalities, representing them on number lines, and recognising quadratic, cubic, reciprocal and exponential graphs.
10 min answer →

How do you solve quadratic equations by factorising, the quadratic formula and completing the square?

Solving quadratic equations by factorising, by the quadratic formula and by completing the square (Higher tier), and interpreting the roots and the turning point of the curve.
A focused answer to the Edexcel GCSE Mathematics algebra content on quadratic equations, covering solving by factorising, the quadratic formula, completing the square at Higher tier, and interpreting the roots and turning point.
11 min answer →

How do you find the nth term of linear and quadratic sequences, and recognise special sequences?

Sequences: generating terms, finding the nth term of a linear (arithmetic) sequence and a quadratic sequence (Higher tier), and recognising geometric, triangular, square, cube and Fibonacci sequences.
A focused answer to the Edexcel GCSE Mathematics algebra content on sequences, covering generating terms, finding the nth term of linear and quadratic sequences, and recognising special sequences such as geometric, triangular and Fibonacci.
9 min answer →

How do you solve simultaneous equations by elimination, substitution and graphically, including one linear and one quadratic?

Solving simultaneous equations: two linear equations by elimination and by substitution, finding the solution graphically, and solving one linear and one quadratic equation (Higher tier).
A focused answer to the Edexcel GCSE Mathematics algebra content on simultaneous equations, covering elimination, substitution, the graphical method, and solving one linear with one quadratic equation at Higher tier.
10 min answer →

How do you solve linear equations, including those with brackets, fractions and the unknown on both sides?

Solving linear equations in one unknown, including equations with brackets, equations with the unknown on both sides, and equations involving fractions, and forming equations from worded contexts.
A focused answer to the Edexcel GCSE Mathematics algebra content on solving linear equations, covering equations with brackets, fractions and the unknown on both sides, and forming and solving equations from worded problems.
9 min answer →

How do you find the gradient and intercept of a line, use y = mx + c, and find equations of parallel and perpendicular lines?

Straight line graphs: plotting lines, finding the gradient and y-intercept, using the equation y = mx + c, finding the equation of a line through two points, and parallel and perpendicular lines (Higher tier).
A focused answer to the Edexcel GCSE Mathematics algebra content on straight line graphs, covering gradient and intercept, the equation y = mx + c, finding the equation through two points, and parallel and perpendicular lines.
10 min answer →