Linear Sequences Important Sequences

Geometric sequences: A sequence where each term is found by

Linear sequences are sequences that increase or decrease by the
multiplying or dividing the term before. For example, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, ...
same amount each time. To find the next term, we need to find the
amount we add or subtract each time – this is called the common Fibonacci sequences: A sequence where each term is the sum of the
difference. previous two terms. For example, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, …

To find the nth term, we use the common difference as the coefficient Square number sequences: The sequence of square numbers – you should
of n and then identify the 0th term and add this on. recognise these. Here are the first few terms: 1, 4, 9, 16, 25, …

Cube number sequences: The sequence of cube numbers – you should

recognise these. Here are the first few terms: 1, 8, 27, 64, 125, …
Example: 3, 7, 11, 15, 19, … has an n th term of 4n – 1
Triangle number sequences: The sequence of triangle numbers – you
28, 23, 18, 13, … has an nth term of -5n + 33 should recognise these. Here are the first few terms: 1, 3, 6, 10, 15, …

Foundation: Algebra Foundation: Algebra

Solving Linear Equations Simplifying Expressions

To solve equations, use the inverse of the operations. Remember, the

inverse of addition is subtraction and the inverse of multiplication
Simplifying expressions usually includes collecting like terms.
is division.
Remember, you can only group terms if they have the same letters
(variables). You might need to multiply and divide terms too.
Example: 3x – 4 = 10
+ 4 +4
Example: 7a + 3b – 5a + b + 8ab = 2a + 4b + 8ab
3x = 14
÷ 3 ÷3 3x × 5y = 15xy
14
x= 3

Foundation: Algebra Foundation: Algebra

Expanding Single Brackets Expanding Double Brackets

We can use the grid method to expand double brackets but there
are other methods too. Multiply every term in the first bracket by
We can use the grid method to expand single brackets but there are every term in the second bracket.
other methods too. Multiply every term inside the brackets by the
term outside the brackets.
Example: (x + 7)(x – 3) = x2 + 7x – 3x – 21
= x 2 + 4x – 21
Example: 3a(2a + 5) = 6a 2 + 15a
x –3
2a +5
x x2 – 3x
3a 6a 2
+ 15a
7 7x – 21

Foundation: Algebra Foundation: Algebra

Factorising into Single Brackets Factorising into Double Brackets

Every quadratic you will factorise can be written as x2 + bx + c.

When factorising into single brackets, take out the highest common Find a pair of numbers that add together to give the value of b and
factor. Sometimes, this will be just a number or just a letter but it’s multiply to give the value of c.
often both a number and letter.

Example: a 2 + 7a + 12 = (a + 3)(a + 4)
Example: 8a – 10 = 2(4a – 5)
x2 – 5x + 6 = (x – 3)(x – 2)
10x – 6x = 2x(5x – 3)
2

m 2 – 9 = (m + 3)(m – 3)

Foundation: Algebra Foundation: Algebra

Solving Linear Simultaneous Equations Solving Linear Inequalities

The easiest way to solve simultaneous equations is to eliminate one

of the variables. Usually, you will need to multiply one or both of the Solving linear inequalities can be treated almost the same as linear
equations to have a matching set of coefficients. equations – we just use an inequality sign instead of an equals sign
but don't forget to replace it with the inequality sign in the answer.
The only exception is we can’t multiply or divide by a negative value.
Example: 3x – 4y = 19 (× 3) 9x – 12y = 57 (1)
2x + 3y = 7 (× 4) 8x + 12y = 28 (2) Example: 2x + 7 ≥ 15
– 7 –7

17x = 85 (1) + (2) 2 × (5) + 3y = 7 2x ≥ 8

÷ 2 ÷ 2
x = 5 y = -1
x≥4

Foundation: Algebra Foundation: Algebra

Drawing Inequalities on a Number Line Straight Line Graphs

Every linear graph can be written in the form y = mx + c where m is
When drawing inequalities on a number line, we use a shaded circle the gradient and c is the y-intercept.
( ) to show when the limit is included (≤ or ≥) and an open circle
( ) to show when the limit isn’t included (< or >).
By finding the gradient ( change
change in x ) and substituting in a point, we
in y

can find the equation of the straight line.

We draw an arrow to point in the direction of the values the
inequality includes or a straight line between the maximum and Example: Find the equation of the line through (2, 5) and (-4, 8).
minimum value. 8–5
gradient =
-4 – 2
Example: x ≥ -3 3 1
-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 =- =-
6 2
1
(5) = - × (2) + c
x < 2 2
-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
c=6
-1 < x ≤ 3 1
-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 y=- x+6
2
Foundation: Algebra Foundation: Algebra
Substitution and Formulae Parallel Lines

Formulae are used to link two or more variables – such as speed, Two or more lines will be parallel if they have the same gradient. We
distance and time or degrees Fahrenheit and degrees Celsius. To use can compare the gradients by writing them in the form y = mx + c; the
a formula, we need to substitute in the values and follow BIDMAS. gradient is the value of m.

Example: Given v2 = u 2 + 2as, find v when s = 12m, u = 2ms -1 Example: Find the equation of the line parallel to y = 2x – 7 that
and a = 0.5ms -2. passes through (5, 13).
v2 = (2) 2 + 2 × (0.5) × (12) y = 2x + c
v2 = 16 (13) = 2 × (5) + c
v = 16 c = 3
v = 4ms -1 y = 2x + 3

Foundation: Algebra Foundation: Algebra

Changing the Subject Index Laws

There are some index laws that apply when working with powers of
A similar method to solving equations. Use inverse operations to get the same base:
a letter on its own – this letter is called the subject.
When multiplying, we add the powers.
When dividing, we subtract the powers.
Example: Make t the subject of v = u + a t.
When the powers are separated by brackets, we multiply the powers.
v = u + at
– u –u
v – u = at Example: a 3 × a7 = a10
÷ a ÷a
v–u x8 ÷ x3 = x 5

a
= t
(m 7)3 = m21

Foundation: Algebra Foundation: Algebra

Types of Graphs Function Machines

A function takes an input and applies operations to it to output the

result. When given the input, simply follow the steps one-by-one to
find the output. If you need to find an input, use inverse operations
to work backwards.

Example: input + 11 ×2 output

Find the output when the input is 3. 3 + 11 = 14

Quadratic Graph Cubic Graph Reciprocal Graph 14 × 2 = 28

y = x2 y = x3 1
y=
x Find the input when the output is 40. 40 ÷ 2 = 20
20 – 11 = 9
Foundation: Algebra Foundation: Algebra

Real Life Graphs Forming Expressions

Forming expressions simply means using algebra to explain a

particular situation. Try to use as few variables as possible.

Real life graphs are exactly that – they are graphs that show real
life situations. Example: Margi is twice as old as Zaira. John is 4 years younger than
Margi. Write an expression for the sum of their ages.
The y-intercept represents the initial value – perhaps a base cost
for a taxi or phone contract. The gradient represents the rate of Let Zaira by n years old.
change – perhaps the cost per mile or price per minute. Margi is 2n years old.
John is 2n – 4 years old.
The sum of their ages is n + 2n + 2n – 4 = 5n – 4.

Foundation: Algebra Foundation: Algebra

Key Vocabulary and Notation Distance-time Graphs

Coefficient: The number immediately before a variable. Example: 5a

Expression: A collection of terms which are joined together by + or – signs. A distance-time graph is just that – it shows the time on the x-axis
Example: 3a + 4 and the distance on the y-axis. The gradient of the graph is the
Equation: A mathematical statement containing expressions and an = sign. speed of the object.
Example: 3a + 4 = 13 6

Distance from start (metres)

Example: In the first
Formula: A rule used to link two or more variables. It will always have section of the graph, the
an = sign. Example: C = πd gradient is 3 so the object 4

Power: Also known as an index, a superscript number to the right of the is travelling at 3m/s. It
term. Example: x5 or 3 2 is then stationary for 2 2

Term: A single element of algebra including letters or numbers or both. seconds before travelling
Example: 4b or 7 back to the start at 1m/s.
0 2 4 6 8 10
Variable: A letter used in algebra. Example: x Time (seconds)

Foundation: Algebra Foundation: Algebra

Solving Quadratics

You will be able to factorise every quadratic you are asked to

solve. First, you need to write it in the form x2 + bx + c = 0 and then
factorise. Remember, you are looking for 2 numbers that multiply to
give the value of c and add to give the value of b. Set each factor
equal to 0 and solve each linear equation.

Example: x2 + 2x – 8 = 0
(x + 4)(x – 2) = 0
x = -4 and x = 2

Foundation: Algebra