ALGEBRA BASICS

PLEASE NOTE: It would definitely be worth going through the resources on BIDMAS and Positive & Negative numbers first, as children need to have an understanding of this to complete algebraic equations. (It is usually this that holds them back in Algebra.)

With Algebra is it best to write down each calculation as you go. Children can be reluctant to show their working out, but I've found most of the time this is because they are unsure how to. In the following examples I've shown how they can do this wherever possible. The calculations they write down as part of this may seem obvious at first, but if they get into this habit it will help them immensely with more complicated equations later on.

Multiplication sign

In algebra the x sign is not used. I'm not completely sure why, but I think it is because it looks too much like the letter x. The +, - and ÷ signs are still used.

This means 3 times a is written as 3a.

Therefore is a = 2, then 3a is 3 times a:

3 x 2 = 6

so 3a = 6

It is also worth noting 1a would usually be written as a (without the 1); 1b would be written as b and so on.

If a number is outside written outside brackets with no +, - or ÷ sign, then it is multiplying everything inside the brackets.  (Click the button below to go to BIDMAS and scroll down to MULTIPLICATION. There are examples of this on the page.)

For example:

If a = 2, what is 3(a + 5)?

3(a + 5) means 3 x (a + 5)

Work out the brackets first (a + 5) will be (2 + 5) which is 7

Then: 3 x 7, which is 21

Division sign

It is worth noting that the ÷ sign is not always used, sometimes only the 'line' is used:

EXPRESSIONS & EQUATIONS

These terms can confuse your child as well, so it is worth noting the following:

If it is an expression, you do not need to calculate an answer.

E.g:

Simplify the following expression: 2x + 3x.

The answer will be 5x, no number is needed.

(See more on Collecting Like Terms/Simplifying Expressions by clicking on the button below.)

If you are asked to solve an equation, then you do need to calculate and give a number as an answer. An equation will always have an '=' sign.

E.g.

If x = 5, what is 4x + 2x?

4 x 5 = 20 and 2 x 5 = 10

20 + 10 = 30, so x = 30

The answer will be 30 as this is an equation.

+ AND - LETTERS

When there are negative numbers (such as -b or - 4y), this can also hold your child back. Make sure they are familiar with how to add and subtract positive and negative numbers first: there is more on this on the section on POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE NUMBERS.

It is worth remembering that 1a is written as just a, so -1a will be written as -a; 1b is b, so -1b is -b and so on.

When they are calculating negative letters, writing them on a number line can help: