GCSE Maths AQA 8300

A: Algebra

#A.1

use and interpret algebraic notation, including:

  • abab in place of a×ba×b
  • 3y3y in place of y+y+yy+y+y and 3×y3×y
  • a2a^2 in place of a×aa×a, a3a^3 in place of a×a×aa×a×a, a2ba^2b in place of a×a×ba×a×b
  • ab\dfrac{a}{b} in place of a÷ba÷b
  • coefficients written as fractions rather than as decimals
  • brackets

Notes: it is expected that answers will be given in their simplest form without an explicit instruction to do so.

#A.10

identify and interpret gradients and intercepts of linear functions graphically and algebraically

#A.11

identify and interpret roots, intercepts and turning points of quadratic functions graphically

deduce roots algebraically

deduce turning points by completing the square

Notes: including the symmetrical property of a quadratic. See also A18

#A.12

recognise, sketch and interpret graphs of linear functions and quadratic functions

including simple cubic functions and the reciprocal function y=1xy=\dfrac{1}{x} with x0x≠0

including exponential functions y=kxy=k^x for positive values of kk, and the trigonometric functions (with arguments in degrees) y=sinxy=\sin{x}, y=cosxy=\cos{x} and y=tanxy=\tan{x} for angles of any size

Notes: see also G21

#A.13

sketch translations and reflections of a given function

#A.14

plot and interpret graphs, and graphs of non-standard functions in real contexts, to find approximate solutions to problems such as simple kinematic problems involving distance, speed and acceleration

including reciprocal graphs

including exponential graphs

Notes: including problems requiring a graphical solution. See also A15

#A.15

calculate or estimate gradients of graphs and areas under graphs (including quadratic and other non-linear graphs), and interpret results in cases such as distance-time graphs, velocity-time graphs and graphs in financial contexts

Notes: see also A14, R14 and R15

#A.16

**recognise and use the equation of a circle with centre at the origin

find the equation of a tangent to a circle at a given point**

#A.17

solve linear equations in one unknown algebraically

find approximate solutions using a graph

including those with the unknown on both sides of the equation

Notes: including use of brackets.

#A.18

solve quadratic equations algebraically by factorising

**including those that require rearrangement

including completing the square and by using the quadratic formula**

find approximate solutions using a graph

Notes: see also A11

#A.19

solve two simultaneous equations in two variables (linear/linear) algebraically

find approximate solutions using a graph

including linear/quadratic

#A.2

substitute numerical values into formulae and expressions, including scientific formulae

*Notes: unfamiliar formulae will be given in the question.

See the Appendix for a full list of the prescribed formulae. See also A5*

#A.20

find approximate solutions to equations numerically using iteration

Notes: including the use of suffix notation in recursive formulae.

#A.21

translate simple situations or procedures into algebraic expressions or formulae

derive an equation (or two simultaneous equations), solve the equation(s) and interpret the solution

Notes: including the solution of geometrical problems and problems set in context.

#A.22

solve linear inequalities in one variable

solve linear inequalities in one or two variable(s), and quadratic inequalities in one variable

represent the solution set on a number line

represent the solution set on a number line, using set notation and on a graph

*Notes: students should know the conventions of an open circle on a number line for a strict inequality and a closed circle for an included boundary. See also N1

In graphical work the convention of a dashed line for strict inequalities and a solid line for an included inequality will be required.*

#A.23

generate terms of a sequence from either a term-to-term or a position-to-term rule

Notes: including from patterns and diagrams.

#A.24

recognise and use sequences of triangular, square and cube numbers and simple arithmetic progressions

including Fibonacci-type sequences, quadratic sequences, and simple geometric progressions (rnr^n where nn is an integer and rr is a rational number >0> 0)

**including other sequences

including where rr is a surd**

Notes: other recursive sequences will be defined in the question.

#A.25

deduce expressions to calculate the nth term of linear sequences

including quadratic sequences

#A.3

understand and use the concepts and vocabulary of expressions, equations, formulae, inequalities, terms and factors

to include identities

Notes: this will be implicitly and explicitly assessed.

#A.4

simplify and manipulate algebraic expressions by:

  • collecting like terms
  • multiplying a single term over a bracket
  • taking out common factors
  • simplifying expressions involving sums, products and powers, including the laws of indices

simplify and manipulate algebraic expressions (including those involving surds) by:

  • expanding products of two binomials
  • factorising quadratic expressions of the form x2+bx+cx^2+bx+c, including the difference of two squares

**simplify and manipulate algebraic expressions (including those involving surds and algebraic fractions) by:

  • expanding products of two or more binomials
  • factorising quadratic expressions of the form ax2+bx+cax^2+bx+c**
#A.5

understand and use standard mathematical formulae

rearrange formulae to change the subject

*Notes: including use of formulae from other subjects in words and using symbols.

See the Appendix for a full list of the prescribed formulae. See also A2*

#A.6

know the difference between an equation and an identity

argue mathematically to show algebraic expressions are equivalent, and use algebra to support and construct arguments

to include proofs

#A.7

where appropriate, interpret simple expressions as functions with inputs and outputs

**interpret the reverse process as the ‘inverse function’

interpret the succession of two functions as a ‘composite function’**

Notes: understanding and use of f(x)f(x), fg(x)fg(x) and f1(x)f^{−1}(x) notation is expected at Higher tier.

#A.8

work with coordinates in all four quadrants

#A.9

plot graphs of equations that correspond to straight-line graphs in the coordinate plane

use the form y=mx+cy=mx+c to identify parallel lines

find the equation of the line through two given points, or through one point with a given gradient

use the form y=mx+cy=mx+c to identify perpendicular lines

N
Number
R
Ratio, proportion and rates of change