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2 Expressions and
formulae

E
2.1 Substituting into expressions
When you substitute numbers into an expression or formula, you must
use the correct order of operations. Work out brackets and indices
Key word

subtractions.

Exercise 2.1
Focus
1
PL
first, then divisions and multiplications, and finally additions and

Copy and complete the workings to find the value of each

counter-example

Tips
M
expression when x = 10.
Work out the
a 2x + 3 2 × x + 3 = 2 × 10 + 3 multiplication
= + 3= before the
x addition.
b −4 x ÷ 2 − 4 = 10 ÷ 2 − 4
2 Work out the
SA

= − 4= division before
c 4x2 4 × x2 = 4 × 102 the subtraction.
=4× = Work out the
indices before the
d 3(x + 2) 3 × (x + 2) = 3 × (10 + 2) multiplication.
=3× = Work out the
bracket before the
multiplication.

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2 Expressions and formulae

2 Match each expression, A to F, with the correct value, i to vi,

when a = 8 and b = 4.
Tip

a b Remember, ab
A a+b B a−b C ab D b E a F 2a + b means a × b.

1
i 32 ii 2 iii 12 iv 20 v 4 vi 2

3 Copy and complete the workings to find the value of each

expression when x = 6 and y = −2. Tip

E
a x + y = 6 + −2 = − = Remember:
b x − y = 6 − −2 = + = + − → − and
−−→+
c x2 + y2 = 62 + (−2)2 = + =
So:
d 3x + y = 3 × 6 + −2 = − = + −2 is overall −2

4
e
f

a a+b
d a +4

Practice
2
x + 4y = 6 + 4 × −2 =
3x + 4y = 3 × 6 + 4 × −2 =

PL
b 3a − b
e 7b
5
− =
−

c
f
=

Work out the value of each expression when a = −3 and b = 5.

20 − ab
b3 − 25
−2 × −2 is overall
+4
M
5 Work out the value of each expression when a = 2, b = −3, c = 4
and d = −5.
a a + 2b b bd − 10 c 4b + 2a
d −a
d ab + cd e cd + ab
2
f 2
bc + d
g 20 − a3 h a
SA

6 This is part of Malik’s homework.

Question
Work out the value of each expression when x = –4
and y = –1
x
a xy2 – 3x      b x3 –
2y

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2.1 Substituting into expressions

Answer
a –4 × –12 – 3 × –4 = 4 + 12
= 16
–4 –4
b (–4)3 – = 64 –
2 × –1 –2
= 64 – 2

E
= 62

Check Malik’s work. If he has made any mistakes, explain the

mistakes he has made and write the correct solutions.
7

8
PL
The expression x3 − y has a value of 20.
Write three pairs of integer values for x and y when
a x and y are both positive numbers
b x and y are both negative numbers
c x is positive and y is negative, or vice versa.
Show all your working.
Work out the value of each expression when w = 3, x = 2, y = −4
and z = −2.
M
a 3(w + x) b x(2w − y) c z(2w − y)
d w−z 3
e x +z
2 2
f (2z)3
g x−y h wx + y
i 2(x3 − z2)
2 4 z
j 20 − 2w2 k w + z(3x − 2y) l (3z)2 − x5
SA

Challenge
9 This is part of Sasha’s homework.

Question
Use a counter-example to show that the statement 3x2 = (3x)2 is not true (x ≠ 0).
Answer
Let x = 3, so 3x2 = 3 × 32 = 3 × 9 = 27 and (3x)2 = (3 × 3)2 = 92 = 81
27 ≠ 81, so 3x2 ≠ (3x)2

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2 Expressions and formulae

Use a counter-example to show that each of these statements

is not true (x ≠ 0, y ≠ 0).
a 10x2 = (10x)2 b (2y)3 = 2y3
c 3x − 3y = 3(y − x)
10 Here are two expressions that you can use to estimate the mass,
in kg, of a child aged between one and five years old. A is the age,
in years, of the child.
Expression 1 Expression 2
5A + 8 2(A + 4)

E
2

a Use expression 1 to estimate the mass, in kg, of a 4-year-old

child.
b Use expression 2 to estimate the mass, in kg, of a 3-year-old

d
child.

PL
Copy and complete the table showing the estimates of the
mass of a child using both expressions.

Age (A years)
Mass using expression 1
Mass using expression 2
1 2

Fasil is 3 years old and has a mass of 13.5 kg.

3 4 5
M
Which expression would give the best estimate for his mass?
Explain your answer.
11 Work out the value of each expression.

5( x3 − x ) + 5x −12x when x = 3
2
a
3
SA

4
3 y +16
+   − 20 when y = 4
y
b
4 2 y

( ) − (−4 − c )
2

12 Show that 4d 2 − 100 − 3cd − c(c − d ) = d 3 + 8c + 3c 2

2
c ( c + d )3 d
when c = 5 and d = −3.

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2.2 Constructing expressions

2.2 Constructing expressions

Key word
In algebraic expressions, you use letters to represent unknown numbers.
When you are asked to write an expression, think how you would write in terms of
it with numbers first.

Exercise 2.2 Tip

E
4 + 2 can be
Focus simplified to 6.
1 Add 2 to each of these numbers. Show your working.
Parts a and c have been done for you.

4
a
c
4 4+2=6
x x+2

2 b 4
PL b 10 ...............................
d z ...............................
Subtract 3 from each of these numbers. Show your working.
a 5 b 8 c

c
y
Multiply each of these numbers by 5. Show your working.
a a
Divide each of these numbers by 5. Show your working.
a 15 b 30 c a
d z

d b

d b
Tip
x + 2 cannot be
simplified so
leave it as x + 2.

Tip
You can simplify
M
a × 5 to 5a.
5 Match each statement with the correct expression.
The first one has been done for you: A and iii.
I think of a number n and... Tip
A I add 15 i 15n You can simplify
a ÷ 5 to a .
SA

B I subtract 15 ii 3n + 5 5
C I multiply by 15 iii n + 15
D I divide by 15 iv 5n − 3
v n
E I subtract the number from 15 +3
5
F I multiply by 3 then add 5 vi n − 15
vii n
G I multiply by 5 then subtract 3
15
H I divide by 5 then add 3 viii 15 − n

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2 Expressions and formulae

Practice
6 Zara thinks of a number, n.

I am
thinking of a
number…

E
Write an expression, in terms of n, for the number Zara gets
when she
a adds 1 to the number

e
f

h
i
PL
b subtracts 10 from the number
c multiplies the number by 100
d divides the number by 1000
multiplies the number by 2, then adds 3
divides the number by 4, then subtracts 5
g multiplies the number by 6, then subtracts 7
divides the number by 8, then adds 9
divides 1 by the number, then subtracts 1
M
j divides 10 by double the number
k adds 20 to the number, then multiplies the result by 3
l subtracts 3 from the number, then multiplies the result by 20.
7 Write an expression, in terms of x, for the perimeter of each shape.
Write each expression in its simplest form.
SA

a x b
x x

x+5 x+5
x x
x x

c d 5x – 2
3x 5x – 4 x
x
x
4x + 2 5x – 2

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2.2 Constructing expressions

8 Write an expression for the area of each shape.

Write each expression in its simplest form.
a b
y
y
y

c d
x

E
4x
4y

4x

9 The diagram shows a triangle.

c
the triangle.
PL
The lengths of the sides of the triangle are written as expressions.
When g = 5, work out the lengths of the sides of the triangle.
b Use your answers to part a to work out the perimeter of

Write an expression for the perimeter of the triangle.

Show that the expression can be simplified to 6g2 − 14g.
d Substitute g = 5 into the expression for the perimeter in part c.
Check your answers to parts b and d are the same.
g2

2g(3g – 11)
g(8 – g)
M
10 For each rectangle, write an expression for
i the perimeter ii the area.
Write each answer in its simplest form.
Use the values given, and the same method as in Question 9,
to check your expressions are correct.
SA

a a+3 b
5
5
b–4
a=3
b = 12

a=3 b = 12
c c d 5d
c–8
d–1

c = 10
d=5

c = 10 d=5

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2 Expressions and formulae

Challenge
11 Jake and Razi have four different types of rod. a+2 a+3

The length of each grey rod is a + 2.

The length of each black rod is a + 3. 2a + 2 3a + 1

The length of each white rod is 2a + 2.

The length of each striped rod is 3a + 1.
Jake shows Razi that the total length of two black rods and four
striped rods is the same as the total length of four white rods and

E
two striped rods, as shown.

2 black + 4 striped = 2(a + 3) + 4(3a + 1)

= 2a + 6 + 12a + 4

a Show that
PL
= 14a + 10
4 white + 2 striped = 4(2a + 2) + 2(3a + 1)
= 8a + 8 + 6a + 2
= 14a + 10
M
i the total length of 2 black rods and 2 striped rods is the
same as the total length of 4 white rods
ii the total length of 3 black rods and 3 striped rods is the
same as the total length of 6 white rods
iii the total length of 5 black rods and 5 striped rods is the
same as the total length of 10 white rods.
SA

b What do your answers to part a tell you about the connection

between the number of black and striped rods and the number
of white rods?
c Show that
i the total length of 4 black rods and 2 white rods is the
same as the total length of 8 grey rods
ii the total length of 6 black rods and 3 white rods is the
same as the total length of 12 grey rods
iii the total length of 8 black rods and 4 white rods is the
same as the total length of 16 grey rods.
d What do your answers to part c tell you about the connection
between the number of black and white rods and the number
of grey rods?

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2.2 Constructing expressions

12 The graph shows the amount it costs to hire a bicycle.

Cost to hire a bicycle
80
70
60
50
Cost in $

40
30

E
20
10
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6

c
a

PL
Number of days

How much does it cost to hire a bicycle for

i 1 day ii 3 days?
b How much extra is it per day to hire a bicycle?
There is a standard hire charge, before the amount per day is
added on. How much is this charge?
d Write an expression for the total cost to hire a bike for d days.
13 The diagram shows a rectangle.
Tip
Look at the
charge for 0 days.
M
The lengths of the sides of the rectangle are written as expressions.

a2
+ 3a
2

2b(b2 – 4b – 3)
SA

a Show that when a = 4 and b = 5 the rectangle is in fact

a square.
b Use your answer to part a to work out the perimeter of the
square when a = 4 and b = 5.
c Write a general expression for the perimeter of the square
i in terms of a only Tip
ii in terms of b only.
In part c i, use
Write each expression in its simplest form.
only the a + 3a
2
d Use the expressions in part c to work out the perimeter of the 2
square when a = 4 and b = 5. side length.
Are your answers to parts b and d the same? If not, check
your working.

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2 Expressions and formulae

e When a is a positive integer, will the perimeter of the rectangle

always be positive? Explain your answer.
f Work out the perimeter of the rectangle when
i a = −1 ii a = −2 iii a = −3
g Are your answers to part f valid measurements for the
perimeter? Explain your answer.
Are there any negative values of a for which the perimeter is a
valid measurement?
14 a Write an expression for the perimeter of this rectangle.

E
2x2 – 5x

4x2 + 3x
b Show that the expression in part a can be simplified to

c
4x(3x − 1).
Read what Arun says.

PL
When x = 3 and when
x = −3, you get the
same perimeter.
M
Is Arun correct? Explain your answer. Show your working.
15 a A cube has a volume of 27 cm3. Show that the total length of
all the edges of the cube is 36 cm.
b A cube has a volume of 64 cm3. Work out the total length of
SA

all the edges of the cube.

c A cube has a volume of x cm3. Write an expression for the
total length of all the edges of the cube. Use your working for
parts a and b to help you.

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2.3 Expressions and indices

2.3 Expressions and indices

You can use the rules for indices with numbers for algebraic expressions.
Remember these rules:
Tip
i xa × xb = xa+b ii xa ÷ xb = xa−b iii (x )
a b
= x ab
When you
multiply powers
Exercise 2.3 of the same

E
variable, you add
Focus the indices.

1 Match each rectangular card with the correct oval card. For expression D,
remember x = x1.

2
A

i
x2 × x4

x9
B

ii

PL
x3 × x5

x6
C

iii

Match each rectangular card with the correct oval card.

A x4 ÷ x2 B x8 ÷ x5 C
x7 × x2

x3

x10 ÷ x4
D

D
iv
x × x2

x9 ÷ x
x8
Tip
When you divide
powers of the
same variable,
you subtract the
indices.
When you
M
i x8 ii x6 iii x2 iv x3
simplify the
3 Two of these statements are true and two are false. power of a power,
Write ‘True’ or ‘False’ for each statement. you multiply the
If the statement is false, write the correct answer. indices.
a y3 × y3 = y6 b y5 × y4 = y 20
SA

c y6 ÷ y = y5 d y9 ÷ y3 = y3
Tips
4 Copy and complete.
a (g )4 2
= g 4×2 b (h )
6 5
= h6×5
When you add or
subtract variables
=g =h with the same
power, you do
c (i )
3 7
= i 3×7 d (j )
2 10
= j 2×10 not change the
indices.
=i =j
For part d,
5 Copy and complete. The first one has remember
been done for you. y 6 = 1y 6, so you
a 3x 2 + 5x 2 = 8x 2 b 7 x 3 + 9x 3 = x3 need to work
out 12 − 1.
c 6 y4 − 2 y4 = y d 12 y6 − y6 = y

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2 Expressions and formulae

Practice
6 Simplify each expression.
a a3 × a4 b b5 × b5 c c7 × c d d 8 ÷ d4
e e6 ÷ e2 f f8÷f g (g )
8 4
h (y ) 2 7

i (i )9 8
j 4 j2 + 9 j2 k 6 k 3 − 5k 3 l 4l 5 + l 5 − 8l 5
7 Simplify each expression.
a 3a2 × 2a2 b 4b3 × 4b4 c 6c6 × 6c6 d 10e6 × e5
10 x10 5x5

E
e 16g12 ÷ 2g4 f 9h9 ÷ 3h3 g h
2x2 x
8 Which is the correct answer, A, B, C or D?
a Simplify 3a3 × 4a2 A 7a5 B 12a5 C 7a6 D 12a6
b Simplify 4b3 × 5b A 20b4 B 20b3 C 9b4 D 9b3

9
c

d
Simplify

Simplify
15c 6
5c3
9d 5
3d
Look at these algebra cards.
a
PL A

Sort the cards into two groups.

3c3

3d 5

Explain how you decided to sort the groups.

B

b Which card does not fit into either of the groups?

Explain why this is.
10c2

6d 5
C

C
3c2

6d 4
D

D
10c3

3d 4
M
x6 × 3x3 9x12 ÷ x9 2x × 3x5 12x12 ÷ 4x3

9x9 ÷ 3x3 6x6 × x3 3x3 × 2x3

SA

10 Sofia and Zara simplify the expression (2x3)2. Read what they say.

I think the
answer is 4x5.

I think the
answer is 4x6.

a Who is correct, Sofia or Zara? Explain why.

b Simplify these expressions.
i (3x7)2 ii (4y9)3 iii (2z3)5

24
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2.3 Expressions and indices

11 Which answer is correct, A, B, C or D?

3x9 1 6 1 3
a Simplify A 4x3 B 4x6 C x D x
12 x3 4 4
3 y6 1 2 1 1.5
b Simplify A y B y C 5 y1.5 D 5 y2
15 y 4 5 5
30 z10 6 z2 6 5 5 2 5 5
c Simplify A B z C z D k
25 z 5 5 5 6 6
10w8 . 2 2 1 1
d Simplify A w B C 2 w D 2
4w8 5 5 2 2

E
Challenge
12 Fill in the missing indices in these fractions. The first one has been
done for you.
1 1 1
5−3 = 8−5 =
a

a
4 −4 =

x −4 =

x5
44

x
1

PL
13 Simplify these expressions. Write each expression as a negative
power and as a fraction.
The first one has been started for you.
= x5−8 = x −3 =
1
b
b

y3
y−7 =
5

c
1

m2
d
n
c

f z −1 =
8

z
1
M
x8 y7 m10 n6
x
14 Here are six rectangular cards and seven oval cards.
The expressions on the rectangular cards have been simplified to
give the expressions on the oval cards.
12 y6 7y 24 y 4
A 10y4 ÷ 15y8 B 12y3 ÷ 16y7 C 20y4 ÷ 12y10 D E F
SA

9 y10 21y6 8 y9

5 1 3 3 2 5 4
i ii iii iv v vi vii
3 y6 3 y5 4 y4 y5 3y4 2 y7 3y4

a Match each rectangular card with the correct oval card. Tip
b There is one oval card left. Write an expression that simplifies
to give the expression on this card. For Question 15,
simplify the
2 n2 × 3n5 3n
15 Show that the expression simplifies to numerator, then
( 2 n2 )3 4
the denominator,
(3x4 )
4
6 x 2 × 3x 6 × 2 x 9 then combine
16 Do the expressions and simplify to give the your two
4 x13 3x × x 2 × 3x9
same expression? expressions.
Show your working.

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2 Expressions and formulae

2.4 Expanding the product

of two linear expressions
Exercise 2.4 Key words
brackets
Focus expand

E
1 Copy and complete these multiplications, using the
multiplication grid.
a 23 × 34 b 18 × 42
× 20 3 × 10 8

2
30 600
4 80
90
12

PL
Answer: 600 + 90 + 80 + 12 =
40
2

Use the same method as in Question 1 to expand these brackets.

The first one has been done for you.
a (x + 2)(x + 3)
× x +2
b
400

Answer: 400 +

(x + 1)(x + 4)
× x +1
+ + =
M
x x2 +2x x x2
+3 +3x +6 +4

Answer: x
 2 + 2x + 3x + 6 = Answer: x
2+ + + =
x2 + 5x + 6 x2 + +
SA

c (x + 5)(x + 6) d (x + 3)(x + 9)
× x +5 × x +3
x x2 x
+6 +9

Answer: x
2+ + + = Answer: x
2+ + + =
x2 + + x2 + +

26
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2.4 Expanding the product of two linear expressions

3 Use the same method as in Question 2 to expand these brackets.

Tip
The first one has been done for you.
a (x + 5)(x − 3) b (x + 6)(x − 2) Take care with the
minus signs.
× x +5 × x +6
x x2 +5x x x2
−3 −3x −15 −2

Answer: x
 2 + 5x − 3x − 15 = Answer: x
2+ − −
x2 + 2x − 15 = x2 + −

E
c (x − 7)(x + 4) d (x − 8)(x + 2)
× x −7 × x −8
x x2 x

4
+4

Answer: x
2−
= x2 −
+
−
−

PL +2

Answer: x
2−
= x2 −
Use the same method as in Question 2 to expand these brackets.
The first one has been started for you.
a (x − 1)(x − 3)
× x −1
b (x − 4)(x − 8)
× x
+
−

−4
−

Tip
Take care with the
minus signs.
M
x x2 −1x x
−3 −3x +3 −8

Answer: x2− − +3 Answer: x2− − +

=x −2
+ =x −2
+
5 In questions 2, 3 and 4, you used a multiplication grid to expand
SA

two brackets.
Do you prefer to use the arc method shown here?

( x + 8)( x − 4 ) = x 2 − 4 x + 8x − 32
= x 2 + 4 x − 32
Or do you prefer the multiplication grid method shown here?
× x +8
x x 2
+8x
−4 −4x −32
= x2 + 8x − 4x − 32 = x2 + 4x − 32
Or do you prefer a different method? Explain your answer.

27
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2 Expressions and formulae

Practice
6 Expand and simplify each expression.
a (x + 5)(x + 2) b (x + 4)(x − 2) c (x − 6)(x + 3)
d (x − 3)(x − 3) e (x + 5)(x + 10) f (x − 5)(x − 8)
g (x − 5)(x + 10) h (x + 5)(x − 8)
7 Which answer is correct, A, B or C?
a (w + 7)(w + 8) = A w2 + 15w + 15 B w2 + 15w + 56 C w2 + w + 56
b (x + 5)(x − 3) = A x + 2x − 15
2
B x2 − 8x − 2 C x2 + 8x − 15

E
c (y − 6)(y + 4) = A y − 10y − 2
2
B y2 − 2y − 2 C y2 − 2y − 24
d (z − 3)(z − 5) = A z2 − 2z + 8 B z2 + 8z − 15 C z2 − 8z + 15
8 This is part of Rohan’s homework.
He has made a mistake in every question.

Question

1 (x + 4)(x + 3)
2 (x + 5)(x – 9)
3 (x – 3)(x – 2)
PL
Expand and simplify each expression.
M
Answer
1 x 2 + 4x + 3x + 7 = x 2 + 7x + 7
2 x 2 + 5x – 9x – 45 = x 2 + 4x – 45
3 x 2 – 2x – 3x – 6 = x 2 – 5x – 6
SA

Explain the mistakes Rohan has made and write the correct
solutions.
9 a Expand and simplify each expression.
i (a + 2)2 ii (a − 2)2 iii (b + 4)2
iv (b − 4)2 v (c + 1)2 vi (c − 1)2
b Compare your answers to i and ii, iii and iv, v and vi.
What is the same and what is different about your answers to
each pair of expansions?
c Use your answer to part b to copy and complete this general
expression:
(x + y)2 = x2 + 2xy + y2 so (x − y)2 = …………………………

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2.5 Simplifying algebraic fractions

10 a Expand and simplify each expression.

i (a − 1)(a + 1)
ii (a − 4)(a + 4)
iii (a + 9)(a − 9)
b What do you notice about your answers in part a?
c Write the simplified expansion of (a − 8)(a + 8).
d Write the simplified expansion of (a + b)(a − b).

Challenge

E
11 Show that (x + 4)(x − 3) + x(5 − x) = 6(x − 2)
Tip
12 a Expand and simplify   i (x + 6)2  ii (x + 5)(x + 7)
b What do you notice about your answers to part a, i and ii? In Question 11,
start by working
13 a

PL
Expand and simplify   i (x + 7)2  ii (x + 6)(x + 8)
b What do you notice about your answers to part a, i and ii?
14 Try some examples of your own, similar to questions 12 and 13.
What general rules do you notice?
15 a Show that (2x + 1)(3x + 2) = 6x2 + 7x + 2
b Expand and simplify
i (3x + 1)(4x + 5)    ii (4y + 3)(2y − 5)
with the left-
hand side of the
equation.
M
2.5 Simplifying algebraic fractions
Exercise 2.5 Key words
SA

Throughout this exercise, give each answer as a fraction in its algebraic fraction
simplest form.

Focus
1 Copy and complete these calculations.
2
a 1 1
+ = b 1 2
+ = c +3=
3 3 3 5 5 7 7

3
d 1
+3 = 4 = e 1 2
+ = = f + 3 = =
8 8 8 9 9 10 10

29
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2 Expressions and formulae

2 Copy and complete these calculations.

Use your answers to Question 1. The first one has been done for you.

a
x x
+ =
2x
b
x
+ 2x = c
2y
+ 3y =
3 3 3 5 5 7 7

d y
+ 3y = 4 y = e m
+ 2m = = f 3n
+ 3n = =
8 8 8 9 9 10 10

3 Work out the answers to these calculations by finding a common

E
denominator.

a 1
+3= 2+3= b 1 2
+ = + = Tip
4 8 8 8 3 9
In part b, change 31

4
c
2
3
−1 =
6
− =

PL
= d
12
11
− =

Write the answers to these calculations. Use your answers to Question 3.

c
x
4

2p
3
+ 3x =
8

−p=
6
b

d 11b
12
y
3
1
6

+ 2y =

−b =
9

6
− = = into
9
.
M
Practice
5 Simplify each expression.
x x 3x x x x 5x x 7x x
a + b + c + d + e +
4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8
SA

y y 2y 4y 2 y 11y 5y 5y 3y y
f − g − h − i − j −
3 6 3 9 3 18 8 16 4 24
6 Here are some algebraic fraction cards.
9x 13x x x 2 x 3x 11x 13x 11x 2 x x x
A − B + C + D − E − F +
10 20 6 3 7 14 18 36 15 5 12 6

a Sort the cards into two groups. Explain your reasons for
sorting the cards.
b Which card does not fit into either of the groups?
Explain why.

30
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2.5 Simplifying algebraic fractions

7 Simplify each expression.

x y x y 3x y
a + b + c +
2 2 3 6 4 12
5x y 7x 2 y 3a b
d − e − f +
6 18 12 3 4 7
5a 5b a b 5a b
g + h − i −
9 6 7 5 8 12
8 This is part of Seren’s homework.

E
Question
Simplify 8x + 2
2
Answer
8x + 2 = 8x + 2 = 8x

a
b
c

d
2 2

Substitute x = 4 into
PL 8x + 2
2
Substitute x = 4 into 8x and work out the answer.
and work out the answer.

Use your answers to parts a and b to show that Seren’s answer

is incorrect. Explain the mistake she has made.
Copy and complete the correct solution for Seren.
M
8x + 2
=
2 ( )= 2 (
x +1
1
)=
x +1
x +1
1
2 2 2
9 Simplify these expressions. Make sure you factorise the numerator
before you cancel with the denominator.
10 x + 5 15x + 3 12 x − 16 18x − 24
a b c d
SA

5 3 4 6

Challenge
7 x − 14 8x + 6
10 Evan thinks the expression + simplifies to 5x + 1.
7 2
Is Evan correct? Show your working.
8x + 24
11 a Show that the fraction can be simplified to 2x + 6
4
or 2(x + 3).
b Simplify these fractions. Write two expressions for each
answer; one with brackets and one without brackets.
6 x + 12 15x + 45 24 x − 36 32 − 48x
i ii iii iv
3 5 4 8

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2 Expressions and formulae

12 This is part of Brad’s classwork.

Question
Simplify 20x + 4
8
Answer
20x + 4 = 4(5x + 1) = 4 1(5x + 1) = 5x + 1
8 8 82 2

E
Use Brad’s method to simplify these fractions.
Tip
6x + 9 20 x + 30
a b
6 50 Remember to
c
4x − 6
8

For example: + =

For example, + =
1
a
5 3

1
b
PL
5×3

1× b + 1× a
ab
=

=
15
d

13 You already know that you add and subtract fractions by using a
common denominator.
4 2 4×3 + 2×5 12 + 10

You can use the same method with algebraic fractions.

b+a
ab
=
22
15
30 − 42 x
12
take out the
highest common
factor when you
factorise the
numerator of
each fraction.
M
Use the method shown to add and subtract these fractions.
1 1 1 1 1 1
a + b + c −
x y c d x y
2 1 5 2 3 4
d + e − f −
a b m n g h
SA

32
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2.6 Deriving and using formulae

2.6 Deriving and using formulae

Exercise 2.6 Key words
changing the
Focus subject
1 You already know a lot of mathematical formulae. subject of a
Match each rectangular card with the correct oval card. formula

E
A Area of a triangle B Volume of a cuboid

C Area of a parallelogram D Circumference of a circle

E Area of a trapezium

i A = πr2

iv V = lbh
PL
ii A = bh

v A = 1 bh
2
F Area of a circle

iii C = π d

vi A = 1 (a + b )h
2
M
2 a Work out the number of hours in
i 1 day ii 2 days
iii 3 days iv d days.
b The formula to work out the number of hours (H) in d days
is H = 24d. Tip
SA

Copy and complete the working to find the number of hours Substitute d = 10
in 10 days. into the formula.
H = 24d = 24 × d = 24 × 10 =
3 a Work out the number of days in
i 1 week ii 2 weeks
iii 3 weeks iv w weeks.
b Copy and complete the formula to work out the number of
days (D) in w weeks: D = ……
Use your formula to find the number of days in 8 weeks.
4 a Work out the total number of days in
i 1 week and 2 days ii 3 weeks and 4 days
iii w weeks and d days.

33
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2 Expressions and formulae

b The formula to work out the total number of days (T) in

w weeks and d days is T = 7w + d.
Use the formula to work out the total number of days in
i 2 weeks and 5 days ii 6 weeks and 3 days.
5 Copy and complete the workings to make b the subject of each formula.
The first one has been done for you.
A
a A = bh A=b×h swap sides: b × h = A reverse the ×: b =
h

E
b F = bg F=b×g swap sides: b × = reverse the ×: b =

c T = mb T=m×b swap sides: × = reverse the ×: b =

Practice
6 a
X = b + rt

M = b − kn

PL swap sides: b + rt =

swap sides: b −

Use the formula D = ST to work out the value of D when

i S = 50 and T = 3
b Rearrange the formula D = ST to make S the subject.
=
reverse the +: b = X −

reverse the −:

ii S = 120 and T = 1.5

b= +
M
Work out the value of S when D = 100 and T = 5.
c Rearrange the formula D = ST to make T the subject.
Work out the value of T when D = 22 and S = 4.
7 Stanley is d years old. Polly is 3 years older than Stanley.
Max is 2 years younger than Stanley.
a Write an expression for Polly’s age and Max’s age in terms of d.
SA

b Write a formula for the total age, T, of Stanley, Polly and Max.
c Use your formula in part b to work out the value of T when
d = 8.
d Rearrange your formula in part c to make d the subject.
e Use your formula in part d to work out the value of d
when T = 34.
Tip
8 Use the formula F = I + ae to work out the value of
a F when I = 5, a = 10 and e = 2 In parts c, d
b F when I = 0, a = 9 and e = 6 and e, start by
changing the
c I when F = 100, a = 4 and e = 15
subject of the
d e when F = 50, I = 10 and a = 8 formula.
e a when F = 48, I = 34 and e = 2.

34
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2.6 Deriving and using formulae

9 Kimma buys and sells furniture. She uses the formula in the box to
work out the percentage profit she makes.
Work out the percentage profit Kimma
makes on each piece of furniture.
selling price − cost price
a cost price = $28, selling price = $42 percentage profit = ×100
cost price
b cost price = $150, selling price = $162
c cost price = $35, selling price = $73.50
10 In many countries, the distance of a horse race is measured in
furlongs (F ) and yards (Y).

E
A formula to convert furlongs and yards into metres (m) is shown
in the box.
m is the number of metres
220 F +Y F is the number of furlongs
m= where:

c
1.09

2 furlongs and 50 yards

5 furlongs and 75 yards
PL
Y is the number of yards

Work out the distance, in metres, of each horse race.

Give each answer correct to the nearest metre.
a b
d
11 Make x the subject of each formula. Write if A, B or C is the
correct answer.
6 furlongs and 100 yards
8 furlongs
M
y−k y+k y
a y = 5x + k A x= B x= C x= −k
5 5 5
x
b y = − 2ab A x = 3 y + 2ab B x = 3( y + 2ab ) C x = 3 y − 2ab
3
g+x
c y= A x = ky − g B x = k(y − g) C x = ky + g
k
SA

3x 2( y − 5 p ) 2y 2( y + 5 p )
d y = −5p A x= B x= +5p C x=
2 3 3 3
12 Make n the subject of each formula.
n r+n 5n − 2
a p = 3n − 8 b q = +k c p= d h=
7 2w r2

Challenge
13 Arun knows this relationship between temperatures in degrees
Fahrenheit (°F) and temperatures in degrees Celsius (°C).
F = 1.8C + 32 where: F is the temperature in degrees Fahrenheit (°F)
C is the temperature in degrees Celsius (°C).

35
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2 Expressions and formulae

Read what Arun says.

I think a temperature
of 20 °C is higher than
a temperature of 65 °F

E
Is Arun correct? Show how you worked out your answer.
14 Here are two formulae that are used in science:
v− u
F = ma a=
t

a PL
Work out the value of F when v = 32, u = 12, t = 5 and m = 30.
Explain how you worked out your answer. Show your working.
15 The formula for the area of a semicircle is A = π r 2
Make r the subject of the formula.
2
1

b Work out the radius of a semicircle with an area of 36.2 cm2.

Write your answer correct to 2 significant figures (2 s.f.).
16 The diagram shows a shape made from a square and a triangle.
A = 36.2 cm2
M
a Write a formula for the area (A) of the shape.
b Work out A when a = 7, b = 6 and h = 4. a
c Make a the subject of the formula. h

d Work out a when A = 174, b = 10 and h = 6. b a

17 Ria makes this shape out of two cubes.
SA

The side length of the smaller cube is x cm.

The side length of the larger cube is twice the side length of the
smaller cube.
a Write an expression for the side length of the larger cube in
terms of x.
b Write a formula for the total volume (V) of the shape in
terms of x.
Write your formula in its simplest form.
c Make x the subject of your formula.
d The total volume of Ria’s shape is 576 cm3.
Show that the surface area of the larger cube is 384 cm2.
Explain how you worked out your answer.

36
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ISBN_9781108756502.