Brackets, equations and inequalities

Term 2 starting in week 1 :: Estimated time: 4 weeks

Form algebraic expressions
Use directed number with algebra
Multiply out a single bracket
Factorise into a single bracket
Expand multiple single brackets and simplify
Solve equations, including with brackets
Form and solve equations with brackets
Understand and solve simple inequalities
Form and solve inequalities
Identify and use formulae, expressions, identities and equations

For higher-attaining pupils:

Expand a pair Of binomials
Solve equations and inequalities with unknowns on both sides
Form and solve equations and inequalities with unknowns on both sides

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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.

Algebraic Notation Simplification using the normal conventions of algebra.

Writing Expressions Listen to the voice saying the algebraic expression then write it in its simplest form.

Algebra Pairs The classic Pelmanism or pairs game requiring you to match equivalent expressions.

Algebragons Find the missing expressions in these partly completed algebraic arithmagon puzzles.

Connecting Rules If you are given the values of x and y which of these equations is correct?

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.

Collecting Like Terms Video If you have forgotten what collecting like terms means watch this video for a quick refresher.

Collecting Like Terms Practise your algebraic simplification skills with this self marking exercise.

Equations A series of exercises, in increasing order of difficulty, requiring you to solve linear equations. The exercises are self marking.

eQuation Generator An unlimited supply of linear equations just waiting to be solved. Project for the whole class to see then insert the working in your own style.

Nevertheless Players decide where to place the cards to make an equation with the largest possible solution.

Old Equations Solve these linear equations that appeared in a book called A Graduated Series of Exercises in Elementary Algebra by Rev George Farncomb Wright published in 1857.

Brackets Levels 1 and 2 Learn how to remove brackets from simple algebraic expressions. This video is to help you do the online, self-marking exercise.

Brackets Levels 3 to 5 Learn how to multiply the terms inside a pair of brackets by the term outside. This video is to help you do the online, self-marking exercise.

Brackets Levels 6 to 8 Expand a pair of brackets using the clown's face method. This video is to help you do the online, self-marking exercise.

Brackets Levels 9 and 10 The final video showing how algebraic expressions containing brackets can be simplified.

Brackets Expand algebraic expressions containing brackets and simplify the resulting expression in this self marking exercise.

Algebraic Perimeters Questions about the perimeters and areas of polygons given as algebraic expressions.

Missing Lengths Find the unknown lengths in the given diagrams and learn some algebra at the same time.

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.

Solve To Find Fractions Find the value of the unknown in each of these linear equations. All of the answers are fractions

Algebraic HCF Exercises providing practice finding the highest common factor of algebraic expressions.

Algebraic LCM Exercises providing practice finding the lowest common multiple of algebraic expressions.

Factorising Practise the skills of algebraic factorisation in this structured online self marking exercise.

Inequalities Check that you know what inequality signs mean and how they are used to compare two quantities. Includes negative numbers, decimals, fractions and metric measures.

Where am I with Algebra? Find out how developed your algebra skills are and then take them to the next level.

Pascal's Triangle Get to know this famous number pattern with some revealing learning activities

Equations with Fractions Video If you have learnt how to solve linear equations the next step is to solve equations with fractions.

Algebraic Fractions A mixture of algebraic fraction calculations and simplifications.

Equations with Fractions Practise solving linear equations that contain fractions in this multi-level exercise.

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".

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

Two Squares

Using six pencils can you make two equal sized squares?

2nd Lesson

Less Than

This mathematics lesson starter invites pupils to interpret a three part algebraic inequality.

3rd Lesson

Warm Up

Four quick Maths questions to warm up the brain.

4th Lesson

Jeopardy

Loosely based on the famous television show, how many questions cn you come up with for a given answer?

5th Lesson

Word Sum

Each letter stands for a different digit. Can you make sense of this word sum?

6th Lesson

Freemason's Cipher

Find symmetric words in this ancient cipher.

7th Lesson

Factuples

Spot the factors and the multiples amongst the numbers in the grid.

8th Lesson

Inbetween Table

Write down as many multiples of 3.5 as possible in 3.5 minutes.

9th Lesson

North Pole Test

This starter requires you to write out a difficult times table.

10th Lesson

Stacks of Sums

Write down many different types of calculations which give a particular answer.

11th Lesson

Coins in Envelopes

Fifteen pennies are placed in four envelopes and the envelopes are sealed. It is possible to pay someone any amount from 1p to 15p by giving them one or more envelopes.

12th Lesson

Love Maths

Find the nine mathematical words hidden in the love story. The last letters of the hidden words form an anagram of the name of a famous mathematician.

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.

White Rose Resources

End of block assessments provide a quick progress check at the end of each block of learning to make sure students have understood the content covered.