Algebra

Algebra is the most important fundamental topic in GCSE after the study of numbers. Since Algebra is used to provide a solution to a letter as a number, it is used in various GCSE topics and exam questions in order to provide a numerical answer using an algebraic approach. In other forms it can be used to provide an answer in an algebraic form to test the student`s understanding of expanding, simplifying, factorising and general manipulation.

In the Foundation tier, Algebra is used on its own to expand, simplify and factorise expressions. It is used to work to visualise a graph of a linear equation to understand the relationship of two algebraic variables (x and y). Simultaneous Equations and arithmetic sequences are also apparent in the Foundation Tier.

The Higher tier paper requires students to have knowledge of Foundation tier to build up their mathematical skills. In the Higher Tier, Algebra is integrated with a lot of geometry, modelling, ratios, probability and trigonometric questions. All these aforementioned topics can use numbers to describe properties and context of a question. However Algebra replaces solving these topic questions using numbers and demands algebraic reasoning and techniques instead of numerical reasoning and techniques to solve. Hence I will like to provide the type of questions that combine Algebra with another topic.

1)Algebra and Angles

2.) Algebra and Ratios

3.)Algebra and Probability

4.) Algebra and Trigonometry

5.) Algebra and Vectors

6.) Algebra and Graphs

7) Algebraic Word Problems