AQA Core 1 Algebra

1 of 2 10/01/13 MEI
Section 1: G.C.S.E. revision

Crucial points

1. Make sure that you are not making basic errors
Errors in algebra are very common. Sometimes these are just careless
mistakes, but sometimes you may make errors because you have not
understood a technique correctly. If you have problems with any
technique in this unit, read the worked examples very carefully and
make sure that you understand each step. If you are not sure, make
sure that you consult a teacher.

2. Make sure you know what is meant by taking out a factor
When factorising, make sure that you understand that taking out a
factor means dividing each term by that factor, NOT subtracting.

3. Make sure that you know how to work with algebraic fractions
If you are having trouble with algebraic fractions, you may find it helps
to practise some numerical fractions first, so that you can be sure that
you remember the techniques involved.

4. Be careful when cancelling fractions
Remember that when you cancel fractions, you are dividing the
numerator and denominator by the same thing. You have to divide
each term by the same thing, and it may help to factorise numerator
and denominator if possible so that you can see any factors.
A fraction like
2p
p q
cannot be simplified, as p is not a factor of the
whole denominator.

5. Check your answer when solving equations
When you solve an equation, always check your solution by
substituting it into the original equation to make sure that it fits.

6. Be careful when writing an inequality the other way round
Make sure that you reverse the inequality sign if you want to write the
inequality the other way round.

Wrong: 3 2 1
2 1 3
x
x




Right: 3 2 1
2 1 3
x
x













AQA C1 Algebra 1 Crucial points


2 of 2 10/01/13 MEI
7. Be careful when multiplying or dividing an inequality
Make sure that you reverse the inequality sign if you multiply or divide
by a negative number.

Wrong: 3 2
3 2
x x
x x




Right: 3 2
3 2
x x
x x





Wrong: 2 6 4
3 2
x x
x




Right: 2 6 4
3 2
x x
x





8. Think about which method to use for simultaneous equations
If one equation gives, say, y in terms of x, it is usually easier to use the
substitution method rather than the elimination method. When one
equation is quadratic, you must always use substitution.

9. Be careful with signs when using the elimination method
Its very easy to make mistakes!

10. Always check your solution for simultaneous equations
Just substitute your solution into both of the original equations to make
sure that it fits.

Multiply both sides by -1
Multiply both sides by -1
and reverse the inequality




Divide both sides by -2 and
reverse the inequality