IGCSE Maths / Working with algebra

Writing and deriving a formula

Edexcel International GCSE Maths (4MA1), chapter 4: Working with algebra, specification point 2.3e-f. Part of the full course.

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A formula describes how quantities in a situation are related, using letters and symbols. Define each letter first, then translate the words carefully so per-item amounts are multiplied and one-off charges are added once.

More lessons in Working with algebra

• Order of operations
• Collecting like terms
• Substituting into expressions and formulae
• Index laws with algebraic terms
• Fractional indices
• Expanding a single bracket
• Expanding double brackets
• Expanding triple brackets
• Factorising with a common factor
• Factorising quadratics of the form x squared plus bx plus c
• Factorising with a coefficient
• Difference of two squares
• Changing the subject of a formula
• When the subject has a power on it