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Maths Quiz - Level 3-4 Algebra - Getting Started (Questions)

Start KS3 algebra with simple ideas: variables, operations, and brackets. Learn how to write expressions and evaluate them, ready for equations and real-world problem solving.

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Fascinating Fact:

Algebra is used in engineering to calculate forces, in business to predict profits, and in science to test theories.

In KS3 Maths, algebra begins with understanding variables and operations. You’ll write and simplify expressions, use brackets correctly, and substitute numbers to evaluate results—skills that lead into equations.

Key Terms

Variable: A letter that stands for a number that can change, like x or n.
Expression: Numbers, variables, and operations written without an equals sign, e.g. 3x + 2.
Substitution: Replacing a variable with a number to calculate a value.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What is algebra for KS3 beginners?

Algebra is a way to use letters to represent numbers. You write expressions like 2x + 5 to describe patterns and problems before solving them.

How do I evaluate an expression with brackets?

Follow the order of operations: work inside brackets first, then indices, then multiply or divide, and finally add or subtract. Substitute values before calculating.

What’s the difference between an expression and an equation?

An expression has no equals sign, like 4y - 3. An equation has an equals sign and can be solved, like 4y - 3 = 9.

Try These Related Quizzes

1.

Which of these is a single 'term'?

[ ]	2a
[ ]	2a + b²
[ ]	3a + 2b
[ ]	3a + b + c

2.

Which of these is an 'expression'?

[ ]	3x
[ ]	3x + 4y
[ ]	3x + 4y²
[ ]	All of the above

3.

Which of these is not an 'equation'?

[ ]	3x = 7
[ ]	4x² - 6 = 28
[ ]	4x + 5y + 6z
[ ]	5x = 6y

4.

What is the meaning of 4x

[ ]	4 divided by x
[ ]	4 minus x
[ ]	4 plus x
[ ]	4 times x

5.

One of the following would never be written - which one?

[ ]	x + y
[ ]	1x + y
[ ]	3x + 2y
[ ]	4x - 6y

6.

Peter has x oranges and Joe has three more oranges than Peter. How would we write the number of oranges that Joe has?

[ ]	3x
[ ]	x + 3
[ ]	x + x + x + x
[ ]	x3

7.

Jane has y sweets and Lisa has two sweets less than Jane. How would we write the number of sweets that Lisa has?

[ ]	2y
[ ]	-2y
[ ]	y - 2
[ ]	y - y - y

8.

There are n boys in a football team. How would we write the number of boys in four football teams?

[ ]	n x n x n x n
[ ]	4 + n
[ ]	n + 4
[ ]	4n

9.

Sam has x guinea pigs, Paul has y guinea pigs and Joseph has z guinea pigs. We know that Sam and Paul together have the same number of guinea pigs as Joseph. How would we write this?

[ ]	x + y = z
[ ]	xyz
[ ]	2x + y
[ ]	x - y = z

10.

Thomas has x marbles and Richard has only one third as many. How would we write the number of marbles that Richard has?

[ ]	x + 3
[ ]	x - 3
[ ]	x / 3
[ ]	3x

You can find more about this topic by visiting BBC Bitesize - Introduction to algebra

Maths Quiz - Level 3-4 Algebra - Getting Started (Answers)

1.

Which of these is a single 'term'?

[x]	2a
[ ]	2a + b²
[ ]	3a + 2b
[ ]	3a + b + c

2a is a 'term', the other answers contain more than one 'term'

2.

Which of these is an 'expression'?

[ ]	3x
[ ]	3x + 4y
[ ]	3x + 4y²
[x]	All of the above

An 'expression' contains one or more terms

3.

Which of these is not an 'equation'?

[ ]	3x = 7
[ ]	4x² - 6 = 28
[x]	4x + 5y + 6z
[ ]	5x = 6y

An 'equation' always contains an = sign

4.

What is the meaning of 4x

[ ]	4 divided by x
[ ]	4 minus x
[ ]	4 plus x
[x]	4 times x

Numbers and letters 'joined together' means multiply them together

5.

One of the following would never be written - which one?

[ ]	x + y
[x]	1x + y
[ ]	3x + 2y
[ ]	4x - 6y

Instead of writing '1x' you would write 'x' instead

6.

Peter has x oranges and Joe has three more oranges than Peter. How would we write the number of oranges that Joe has?

[ ]	3x
[x]	x + 3
[ ]	x + x + x + x
[ ]	x3

3 more is the same as + 3

7.

Jane has y sweets and Lisa has two sweets less than Jane. How would we write the number of sweets that Lisa has?

[ ]	2y
[ ]	-2y
[x]	y - 2
[ ]	y - y - y

2 less is the same as minus 2

8.

There are n boys in a football team. How would we write the number of boys in four football teams?

[ ]	n x n x n x n
[ ]	4 + n
[ ]	n + 4
[x]	4n

The correct answer means the same as n + n + n + n

9.

Sam has x guinea pigs, Paul has y guinea pigs and Joseph has z guinea pigs. We know that Sam and Paul together have the same number of guinea pigs as Joseph. How would we write this?

[x]	x + y = z
[ ]	xyz
[ ]	2x + y
[ ]	x - y = z

Sam's (x) + Paul's (y) = Joseph's (x)

10.

Thomas has x marbles and Richard has only one third as many. How would we write the number of marbles that Richard has?

[ ]	x + 3
[ ]	x - 3
[x]	x / 3
[ ]	3x

To get one third just divide by 3