Algebra & Equations – including the use of formulae and expressions are maths skills that are commonly tested in 11+ and Selective School exams in the UK.
Example Questions
Example Question 1:
Find the value of a if 3a + 2 = 10 – a
Answer: a = 2
Explanation: Move the – a to the left side of the equation and it becomes the inverse operation +a so that 3a + a = 4a. Move the +2 to the right side of the equation and it becomes the inverse operation – 2 so that 10 – 2 = 8. If 4a = 8 then a = 2.
Example Question 2:
If a piece of ribbon measuring x cm is cut into 6 equal lengths, which of the following is the correct algebraic expression for one cut length?
(a) 6x, (b) 6 ÷ 6x, (c) 1/6 x, (d) 6x ÷ 6
Answer: (c) 1/6 x
Explanation: The complete length of x when cut into 6 pieces makes each piece 1/6 of the whole.
Example Question 3:
If one side of a cube measures y cm, what is the algebraic expression for its volume?
Answer: y³
Explanation: The find the volume of a cube (where all the lengths are the same size) is length × width × height. Using y it would be y × y × y, which is equivalent to y³.
Video Tutorials
Algebra 1
Algebra 2
Algebra 3 – Fractions
Algebra 4 – Fractions
Algebra 5 – Fractions
