- ~~ _\ Mastering GCSE 4 fom a Algebra eee Nw L~) Building Mathematical Foundations a for Success Nall -What is Algebra? Algebra is the language of mathematics. Instead of using specific numbers, we use variables (letters) to represent values that can change or are currently unknown. Key point The golden rule: Whatever you do to one side of an equation, you must do to the other to keep it balanced.The Basics: Terms and Expressions Master algebraic anatomy before solving complex equations. | Term: A number, variable, or product of both (e.g., 3x, 5, y’). Coefficient The number in front of a variable. In 4x, the coefficient is 4. Expression A collection of terms without an equals sign (e.g., 2x + 3).Collecting Like Terms We can only add or subtract terms if they are ‘like’ terms. This means they have the exact same variables and powers. Example Simplify: 3a + 2b + 5a-b 1. Group the ‘a’s: 3a + 5a = 8a 2. Group the 'b’s: 2b - b=b Result: 8a + bCheck Your Understanding Simplify the expression: 4x + 3y - 2x + 5y 1. | 10xy 2. |2x+ey 3, | ox+ay 4, | 2x-2yCheck Your Understanding Simplify the expression: 4x + 3y - 2x + 5y N 1. 10xy 2. | 2x+8y 3. |ox+ey 4, | 2x-2yExpanding Single Brackets To expand a bracket, multiply the term on the outside by every term on the inside. Example: 3(2x +4) 3 = Bx 2x) +(x 4) = 6x +12Factorising: The Reverse Factorising is the opposite of expanding, You look for the Highest Common Factor (HGF) of all terms and move it outside the bracket. Steps to Factorise 10x + 15 Key point 1, Find HCF of 10 and 15 (it is 5). Result: 5(2x + 3) 2. Divide each term by 5. Always check by expanding your 3. Put 5 outside the bracket. answer back out!Algebraic Vocabulary Match the words with the definitions Identity A group of terms without an equals sign. A statement true for all values of the variables (uses Arule written with symbols (e.g., A = mr). A statement that two things are equal (contains =).Algebraic Vocabulary Match the words with the definitions Identity A group of terms without an equals sign. [)) A statement true for all values of the variables (uses > 8) A rule written with symbols (eg., A = mr). BY) A statement that two things are equal (contains =).Solving Linear Equations Our goal is to isolate the variable (get x on its own) by using inverse operations.Two-Step Equations 3x-5 = 16 3x = 21 LZ \J +5 +5 +3 +3 2 >> Step 1: Add 5 Step 2: Divide by 3 3x= 21 x=7Unknowns on Both Sides When you have x on both sides, the first step is to move the smaller amount of x to the other side. Example ——__}—_+—_e—_ +—_ 5x+2=2x+11 0 i 2 3 4 Subtract 2x from both sides: 3x4+2511 Subtract 2 from both sides: 5x+2=2x4+i1l1 3x=9 Divide by 3:x=3Ordering the Solution Put the steps in order to solve: 4(x + 2) = 20 ide by 4: x =3 Expand: 4x + 8 = 20 Subtract 8: 4x = 12 Check answer: 4(3+2) = 20 uOrdering the Solution Put the steps in order to solve: 4(x + 2) = 20 Expand: 4x + 8 = 20 Subtract 8: 4x = 12 Divide by 4: x =3 4 Check answer: 4(3+2) = 20Expanding Double Brackets Use the FOIL method to ensure you multiply every term by every other term. First: multiply first terms Outside: multiply outer terms Inside: multiply inner terms Last: multiply last termsWorked Example: FOIL Expand: (x + 3)(x + 5) F: x x x = x? O:x x5 =5x L3xx=3x L:3x5=15 Combine like terms: x? + 8x +15 X 5 X 3X 15Factorising Quadratics To factorise a quadratic in the form x? + bx +c into (x + p)(x + q), you need two numbers that: Remember 1. Multiply to give ‘c’ (the constant) 2. Add to give 'b' (the x-coefficient) Example: x’ + 7x + 10. We need factors of 10 that add to 7. These are 2 and 5. Result: (x + 2)(x + 5)Factorising Practice To factorise x? + 5x + 6, we need two numbers that multiply to add up to . These numbers are 2 and 3, so the answer is ¢ 3). Word bank jf 1 11 5 6Factorising Practice To factorise x + 5x + 6, we need two numbers that multiply to 6 and add up to 5. These numbers are 2 and 3, so the answer is (x + 2)(x + 3). Word bank jf 1 1 5 6The Difference of Two Squares This is a special case of factorising. If you have a squared term minus another squared term, it follows a pattern. Key point a? - b? = (a - bya +b) Example: x? - 16 =x? 42 = (x- 4x + 4)Introduction to Inequalities Inequalities show a range of possible values rather than just one. We solve them exactly like equations, with one major exception. Watch out If you multiply or divide by a NEGATIVE number, you must flip the inequality sign!Inequality Symbols | < Less than (open circle) | > Greater than (open circle) | < Less than or equal to (closed circle) = Greater than or equal to (closed circle)Inequality Rule When solving -2x < 10, the answer is x < -5. © Be ready to explain your thinking.Inequality Rule When solving -2x < 10, the answer is x < -5. v & TRUE FALSE Why is that? Because you divided by a negative number (-2), the sign must flip to become x > -5.Linear Sequences An arithmetic sequence has a common difference. We can find the nth term using the formula: dn + ¢. 6 Find the difference (qd). © Find the term ‘before’ the first one (c).Worked Example: nth Term Sequence: 5, 8, 11, 14... 1. Difference is +3. So it starts with 3n. 2. Work backwards from 5:5 - 3 = 2, 3. The nth term is 3n + 2. Fun fact To find the 100th term, just replace n with 100: (3 x 100) + 2 = 302.W\ Simultaneous Equations These are pairs of equations with two unknowns. We solve them to find values for x and y that satisfy both equations at the same time.Elimination Method If the coefficients of one variable are the same, we can add or subtract the equations. Remember SSS: Same Sign Subtract OSA: Opposite Signs Add Example Findy 3x+y=10 Substitute x = 3intox+y=4 x+y=4 3+y=4,soy=1. Subtract: 2x = 6, so x = 3.Which Method? To solve these equations by elimination, what should you do? 5x + 2y = 203x - 2y = 4 1. | Divide the first by 2 Multiply the first by 3 3, | Add the equations Subtract the equations XNWhich Method? lV] To solve these equations by elimination, what should you do? 5x + 2y = 203x - 2y Divide the first by 2 be Multiply the first by 3 Add the equations Subtract the equationsRearranging Formulae Sometimes we need to change the ‘subject’ of a formula. We use the same balancing rules as solving equations. Example Make ‘a’ the subject: 1, Subtract u: v - u = at 2. Divide by t:(v-u)/t=a =ut+atQuadratic Graphs The graph of y = ax? + bx + cis a curve called a parabola. If a is positive, the curve is 'U' shaped (smiley). If a is negative, the curve is 'n’ shaped (sad).Key Features of Graphs Roots Turning Point Graph crosses x-axis (y=0). Vertex where direction changes. y-intercept Graph crosses y-axis (x=0).Solving by Factorising To solve x? + 5x + 6 = 0, first factorise it: (x + 2Y(x +3) =O. For the result to be zero, one of the brackets must be zero. Key point X+#2=0>x=-2 X#3=05x=-3The Quadratic Formula If you can't factorise, use the formula. It works for any quadratic equation ax? + bx + c=0. X= [-b # ¥(b? - 4ac)] / 2a Remember The + means you will usually get two answers!Algebraic Fractions Treat like numerical fractions. Use a common denominator to add or subtract. Example (x / 2) + (K/ 3) = (Bx / 6) + (2x / 6) = 5x /6Functions A function f(x) is like a machine: you put a value in (0, and it gives an output. If f(x) = 2x + 1, then f(S) means ‘replace x with 5". £8) = 25) +1 = 11Independent Challenge Solve the following problem on your paper: 1. Factorise x* - 9 2. Solve 2(3x - 1) = 10 3. Find the nth term of 4, 9, 14, 19...Lesson Summary Today we have covered: * Basic notation and simplification * Solving linear equations * Expanding and factorising * Inequalities and sequences * Quadratic basics What was the hardest part today?