Key Stage 4 (GCSE) · Years 10-11 · Algebra · Notation, vocabulary and manipulation
A4simplify and manipulate algebraic expressions (including those involving surds and algebraic fractions) by:
GCSE subject content
GCSE specifications in mathematics should require students to simplify and manipulate algebraic expressions (including those involving surds and algebraic fractions) by:
- collecting like terms
- multiplying a single term over a bracket
- taking out common factors
- expanding products of two or more binomials
- factorising quadratic expressions of the form x² + bx + c, including the difference of two squares; factorising quadratic expressions of the form ax² + bx + c
- simplifying expressions involving sums, products and powers, including the laws of indices
Tier: This item is set in standard type: all students develop confidence and competence with it. “including those involving surds”, “expanding products of two binomials” and “factorising quadratic expressions of the form x² + bx + c, including the difference of two squares” are underlined; “and algebraic fractions”, “or more” (binomials) and “factorising quadratic expressions of the form ax² + bx + c” are bold (Higher tier only).
Source: Department for Education, GCSE mathematics: subject content and assessment objectives. Crown copyright information reproduced under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
uk-gcse-ma-a-04. The DfE numbers this item 4 within Algebra; the A4 form follows the awarding bodies' convention.Relevant worksheets
These resources support parts of the requirement. They are not presented as a complete assessment of every clause.
Related teaching units
These existing units provide relevant lesson material. A dedicated unit may still be needed where the requirement is broader.