arrow_back Back to Writing Algebraic Expressions

Writing Algebraic Expressions: GCSE Maths Specification and Awarding Body Information

Boring, but hopefully useful. Links to the relevant section of the GCSE Maths Specification, together with information and resources from each of the Awarding Bodies.

Contents

GCSE Maths Specification keyboard_arrow_up
Back to Top

An overview of the GCSE Maths learning objectives that relate to this particular topic area. 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.
A1
Use and interpret algebraic notation, including
·             ab in place of a x b
·             3y in place of y + y + y and 3 x y
·             a2 in place of a x a, a3 in place of a x a x a,
a2b in place of a x a x b
·             a/b in place of a ÷ b
·             coefficients written as fractions rather than decimals
·             brackets
A3
Understand and use the concepts and vocabulary of expressions, equations, formulae, identities, inequalities, terms and factors
A7
Where appropriate, interpret simple expressions as functions with inputs and outputs

AQA keyboard_arrow_up
Back to Top

Taken from the AQA Teacher Guidance document, containing teacher guidance, notes and example questions for each of the GCSE Maths learning objectives. For more information please see the AQA GCSE Maths page.

AQA A1
AQA A3
AQA A7

Edexcel keyboard_arrow_up
Back to Top

Taken from the Edexcel 2 year GCSE Scheme of Work, containing prior knowledge, keywords, opportunities for problem solving and common misconceptions. For more information please see the Edexcel GCSE Maths page.

F2a Algebra - The Basics
F2b Expressions and Substitution
H2a Basic algebra, setting up and solving equations

OCR keyboard_arrow_up
Back to Top

Taken from the OCR Higher and Foundation planning documents, containing specification descriptions. Also included, where available, are the excellent OCR Check-in Tests. For more information please see OCR GCSE Maths page.

4. Brackets (F)
45. Brackets (H)
Check-in Test 6.01 - algebraic-expressions

JustMaths GCSE Questions keyboard_arrow_up
Back to Top

The lovely Mel from JustMaths has put together themed collections of questions taken from the awarding bodies’ sample assessment materials and practise papers. These should give you a clearer idea of how content may be presented and the increased level of challenge. Where possible, answers are also provided.