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Algebra

The largest section at Higher tier, and the one that decides most grades. Higher adds a substantial block of algebra that does not appear at Foundation at all. If your child is on Higher and finds algebra hard, that is entirely normal. It is also the section where revision time goes furthest, simply because so many of the marks depend on it.

Share of the Foundation paper~20%
Share of the Higher paper~30%
Topics27 · 13 both tiers, 14 Higher only
Published4 of 27

Weightings are approximate and vary slightly by board. They describe the whole tier rather than any single paper.

01

Notation and substitution

Writing expressions and substituting values

Read nowFound. & Higher
02

Collecting like terms

Simplifying expressions

Read nowFound. & Higher
03

Expanding brackets

Single and double brackets

Read nowFound. & Higher
04

Factorising

Common factors and simple quadratics

Coming soonFound. & Higher
05

Rearranging formulae

Changing the subject

Coming soonFound. & Higher
06

Linear equations

Solving with unknowns on both sides

Coming soonFound. & Higher
07

Inequalities

Solving and representing on a number line

Coming soonFound. & Higher
08

Linear sequences and nth term

Finding and using the rule

Coming soonFound. & Higher
09

Coordinates and straight-line graphs

Plotting and reading graphs

Coming soonFound. & Higher
10

Gradient and intercept

y = mx + c and parallel lines

Read nowFound. & Higher
11

Plotting quadratic graphs

Tables of values and turning points

Coming soonFound. & Higher
12

Real-life and distance–time graphs

Interpreting rate from a graph

Coming soonFound. & Higher
13

Simultaneous equations

Two linear equations, elimination and substitution

Coming soonFound. & Higher
14

Expanding triple brackets

Multiplying three binomials

Coming soonHigher only
15

Algebraic fractions

Simplifying, adding and solving

Coming soonHigher only
16

Factorising harder quadratics

When the coefficient of x squared is not 1

Coming soonHigher only
17

Completing the square

Turning points and solving

Coming soonHigher only
18

The quadratic formula

When and how to use it

Coming soonHigher only
19

Simultaneous equations with a quadratic

One linear, one quadratic

Coming soonHigher only
20

Quadratic and geometric sequences

Including Fibonacci-type sequences

Coming soonHigher only
21

Functions

Composite and inverse functions

Coming soonHigher only
22

Iteration

Solving equations numerically

Coming soonHigher only
23

Algebraic proof

Proving statements about integers

Coming soonHigher only
24

Graph transformations

Translations, reflections and stretches

Coming soonHigher only
25

Equation of a circle

Centred at the origin, and tangents

Coming soonHigher only
26

Gradients of curves and area under graphs

Estimating rate and total change

Coming soonHigher only
27

Cubic, reciprocal and exponential graphs

Recognising and sketching each shape

Coming soonHigher only

Need this section explained properly?

Small groups of no more than 5, arranged by ability. Founding member price £35 a lesson, held for the first year. The first lesson is a free trial.