Essential Algebra Skills - Part 1
Your algebraic expressions journey starts with forming and simplifying expressions using letters and numbers. You'll need to master expanding brackets (both single and double), factorising expressions, and understanding the difference between equations, expressions, identities, and formulae.
Index laws become crucial when simplifying expressions with powers - remember that x2×x3=x5 and x6÷x2=x4. These rules will save you loads of time in exams.
Sequences are a major exam favourite, especially finding the nth term rule for linear and quadratic sequences. Linear sequences have a constant difference (like 3, 7, 11, 15...), whilst quadratic sequences have differences that change in a pattern. Don't forget about Fibonacci and geometric sequences too!
Solving equations progresses from simple linear equations to trickier ones with unknowns on both sides, then onto quadratic equations using factorisation or the quadratic formula. Practice forming equations from word problems - this skill appears everywhere in GCSE maths.
Top Tip: Always check your solutions by substituting back into the original equation - it's the quickest way to spot silly mistakes!