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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 and change the subject of a formula?

Simplify and manipulate algebraic expressions: collect like terms, expand single and double brackets, factorise (common factors, quadratics and the difference of two squares), and rearrange formulae to change the subject.
A focused answer to the OCR GCSE Mathematics algebra content on algebraic manipulation, covering collecting like terms, expanding brackets, factorising including the difference of two squares, and changing the subject of a formula.
11 min answer →

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

Solve linear inequalities and represent solutions on a number line; solve quadratic inequalities (Higher tier); and recognise and sketch the graphs of quadratic, cubic, reciprocal and exponential functions.
A focused answer to the OCR GCSE Mathematics algebra content on inequalities and other graphs, covering solving and representing linear inequalities, quadratic inequalities at Higher tier, and recognising non-linear graph shapes.
10 min answer →

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

Solve quadratic equations by factorising, by the quadratic formula and by completing the square (Higher tier), and interpret the roots and the turning point of the curve.
A focused answer to the OCR 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.
12 min answer →

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

Generate sequences from a rule; find the nth term of a linear sequence and a quadratic sequence (Higher tier); and recognise arithmetic, geometric, square, cube, triangular and Fibonacci sequences.
A focused answer to the OCR GCSE Mathematics algebra content on sequences, covering the nth term of linear and quadratic sequences, generating terms from a rule, and recognising special sequences.
10 min answer →

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

Solve two simultaneous linear equations by elimination and substitution; solve a linear and a quadratic equation simultaneously (Higher tier); and interpret the solution as the point of intersection.
A focused answer to the OCR GCSE Mathematics algebra content on simultaneous equations, covering elimination, substitution, solving one linear and one quadratic equation at Higher tier, and the graphical meaning.
11 min answer →

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

Solve linear equations in one unknown, including those with brackets, fractions and the unknown on both sides, and form linear equations from worded and geometric contexts.
A focused answer to the OCR GCSE Mathematics algebra content on solving linear equations, covering equations with brackets, fractions and the unknown on both sides, and forming equations from worded problems.
10 min answer →

How do you find the gradient, intercept and equation of a straight line, and identify parallel and perpendicular lines?

Use the equation $y = mx + c$ to find the gradient and intercept; find the equation of a line through given points; and identify parallel and perpendicular lines (perpendicular at Higher tier).
A focused answer to the OCR GCSE Mathematics algebra content on straight line graphs, covering gradient and intercept, the equation of a line through points, and parallel and perpendicular lines.
10 min answer →