Algebra

Algebra is maths with letters. A letter, called a variable, stands for a number you don't know yet or a number that can change. In this topic you'll learn to write rules and formulas with variables, turn word descriptions into algebraic expressions, find the value of an expression by substituting numbers, and tidy expressions up by collecting like terms. Algebra is the language of the equations, graphs and formulas you'll meet for the rest of high school.

What you'll learn

• 8.01 Introduction to variables: letters that stand for numbers, writing 3 × n as 3*n*, and simple everyday formulas.
• 8.02 Build algebraic expressions: terms, coefficients and constants, and turning words like "5 less than twice a number" into expressions, with brackets where needed.
• 8.03 Substitution: replacing variables with numbers to find the value of an expression or formula, tables of values and growing matchstick patterns.
• 8.04 Collect like terms: spotting like terms and adding or subtracting them to simplify an expression, such as 4*a* + 3*b* + 2*a* = 6*a* + 3*b*.

Which level should I pick?

Every worksheet comes in three levels. Each one covers the same skills.

• Level 1 · Warm-up: simpler expressions and more help along the way. A good place to start.
• Level 2 · Core: the main worksheet for the lesson.
• Level 3 · Challenge: longer expressions, powers and problems with more steps, for when the Core level feels easy.

Not sure? Start with Level 2. If the first few questions feel tricky, drop to Level 1. If you finish quickly and get them right, try Level 3. Download the worksheet, print it, and write your answers in the boxes.

Practice tests

When you've finished the lessons, try the three practice tests. Each one is like the real topic test: 45 minutes, 40 marks, a section without a calculator and a section with one. Write your working under each question, then copy your final answers onto the answer sheet on the last page, just like you will in the real test.