A-Level Maths Edexcel (9MA0)

Manipulate polynomials algebraically, including expanding brackets and collecting like terms, factorisation and simple algebraic division; use of the factor theorem.

Only division by $(ax + b)$ or $(ax - b)$ will be required. Students should know that if $f(x) = 0$ when $x = a$, then $(x - a)$ is a factor of $f(x)$, and if $f(x) = 0$ when $x = \dfrac{b}{a}$, then $(ax - b)$ is a factor of $f(x)$.

Students may be required to factorise cubic expressions such as $x^3 + 3x^2 - 4$ and $6x^3 + 11x^2 - x - 6$.

Simplify rational expressions, including by factorising and cancelling, and algebraic division (by linear expressions only).

Denominators of rational expressions will be linear or quadratic,
e.g. $\dfrac{1}{ax+b}$, $\dfrac{ax+b}{px^2+qx+r}$, $\dfrac{x^3+a^3}{x^2-a^2}$