Algebra
Term 2 starting in week 3 :: Estimated time: 2 weeks
- Find a rule one step
- Find a rule - two step
- Forming expressions
- Substitution
- Formulae
- Forming equations
- Solve simple one-step equations
- Solve two step equations
- Find pairs of values
- Enumerate possibilities
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Activities for pupils
Here are some related resources in alphabetical order. Some may only be appropriate for high-attaining learners while others will be useful for those in need of support. Click anywhere in the grey area to access the resource.
Area and Perimeter of a Rectangle Questions on the areas and perimeters of rectangles which will test your problem solving abilities.
Think of a Number Ten students think of a number then perform various operations on that number. You have to find what the original numbers were.
Algebraic Notation Simplification using the normal conventions of algebra.
Clouds Can you work out which numbers are hidden behind the clouds in these calculations?
Algebra Pairs The classic Pelmanism or pairs game requiring you to match equivalent expressions.
Substitution Video Lots of examples of substituting values into algebraic expressions. This video is to help you do the online, self-marking exercise.
Substitution Substitute the given values into the algebraic expressions. 
Stable Scales Ten balance puzzles to prepare you for solving equations.
Equations A series of exercises, in increasing order of difficulty, requiring you to solve linear equations. The exercises are self marking.
How Many of Each? Work out how many items were bought from the information given.
Algebra In Action Real life problems adapted from an old Mathematics textbook which can be solved using algebra.
Superfluous Find a strategy to figure out the values of the letters used in these calculations.
Click on a topic below for suggested lesson Starters, resources and activities from Transum.
- Algebra Pupils begin their study of algebra by investigating number patterns. Later they construct and express in symbolic form and use simple formulae involving one or many operations. They use brackets, indices and other constructs to apply algebra to real word problems. This leads to using algebra as an invaluable tool for solving problems, modelling situations and investigating ideas. If this topic were split into four sub topics they might be: Creating and simplifying expressions; Expanding and factorising expressions; Substituting and using formulae; Solving equations and real life problems; This is a powerful topic and has strong links to other branches of mathematics such as number, geometry and statistics. See also "Number Patterns", "Negative Numbers" and "Simultaneous Equations".
- Simultaneous Equations This topic covers simultaneous equations with two different variables. The starters pose real world problems which can be solved using the techniques taught at school or by other intuitive methods. Though there are many formal strategies for solving simultaneous equations the skill of forming the equations from real life situations is a very important stage in working towards a solution. Algebraic methods are the most efficient for solving basic simultaneous equations but graphical methods, probably using a graphic display calculator or computer software package, may be more suitable for less standard sets of simultaneous equations.
Lesson Starters
Here are some suggestions for whole-class, projectable resources which can be used at the beginnings of each lesson in this block.
1st Lesson
Connecting Rules
Give 20 rules connecting x and y given their values.
2nd Lesson
Know Weigh
Find the weight of one cuboid (by division) of each colour then add your answers together.
3rd Lesson
Stable Scales
Solve these balance puzzles by taking the same away from both sides. An introduction to linear equations.
4th Lesson
Lost Sheep
Which algebraic expression is the odd one out?
5th Lesson
Think Back
A problem which can be answered by forming an algebraic equation then solving it.
6th Lesson
THOAN
THOAN stands for 'Think of a number' and there are four randomly generated THOAN puzzles to solve.
Some of the Starters above are to reinforce concepts learnt, others are to introduce new ideas while others are on unrelated topics designed for retrieval practice or and opportunity to develop problem-solving skills.
