Algebra 01 (H)

Don’t be afraid to start using Algebra when you are solving problems. Introduce a letter for the thing you don’t know, then build up an expression by adding in what you do know.

Exam questions may introduce a letter for you (normally x) – if they don't, then do it yourself!

Consider your Algebra skills as a toolkit – if you get stuck when working through something, try another tool. Useful tools include factorising when trying to re-arrange a formula and you have 2 terms with the subject in it, and the special quadratic cases such as Difference of Two Squares and the Perfect Square. Build up your confidence with algebraic fractions – with a bit of practise you will soon find they aren’t as scary as they look!