2.1

Algebraic notation and manipulation

9 flashcards to master Algebraic notation and manipulation

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Definition Flip

Identify the coefficient and variable in the term '7x'.

Answer Flip

The coefficient is the numerical part of the term, which is 7. The variable is the letter representing an unknown value, which is 'x'.

Key Concept Flip

Simplify the following expression by collecting like terms: 3a + 2b - a + 5b.

Answer Flip

Combine the 'a' terms (3a - a = 2a) and the 'b' terms (2b + 5b = 7b). The simplified expression is 2a + 7b.

Definition Flip

What is the difference between a term and an expression in algebra?

Answer Flip

A term is a single number, variable, or product of numbers and variables (

Example: 5x, 3). An expression is a combination of one or more terms connected by mathematical operations (. 2x + 3y - 1).
Key Concept Flip

Expand the following expression: 4(2x - 3).

Answer Flip

Multiply each term inside the brackets by 4: 4 * 2x = 8x and 4 * -3 = -12. The expanded expression is 8x - 12.

Key Concept Flip

Factorise the following expression: 6x + 9.

Answer Flip

Find the highest common factor (HCF) of 6 and 9, which is 3. Divide each term by 3 and write it outside the brackets: 3(2x + 3).

Definition Flip

Explain what 'like terms' are and give an example.

Answer Flip

Like terms are terms that have the same variable raised to the same power.

Example: 2x and 5x are like terms, but 2x and 5x² are not.
Definition Flip

What is a constant term in an algebraic expression? Give an example.

Answer Flip

A constant term is a term that does not contain any variables; it's a fixed number.

Example: In the expression 3x + 5, the constant term is 5.
Key Concept Flip

Simplify the algebraic fraction: 10x / 5.

Answer Flip

Divide the coefficient of the numerator by the denominator: 10 / 5 = 2. Therefore, the simplified fraction is 2x.

Key Concept Flip

Explain the purpose of brackets in an algebraic expression.

Answer Flip

Brackets indicate the order of operations. Operations inside the brackets are performed before operations outside the brackets (following the order of operations - PEMDAS/BODMAS).

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1.8 Surds 2.2 Equations

Key Questions: Algebraic notation and manipulation

Identify the coefficient and variable in the term '7x'.

The coefficient is the numerical part of the term, which is 7. The variable is the letter representing an unknown value, which is 'x'.

What is the difference between a term and an expression in algebra?

A term is a single number, variable, or product of numbers and variables (

Example: 5x, 3). An expression is a combination of one or more terms connected by mathematical operations (. 2x + 3y - 1).
Explain what 'like terms' are and give an example.

Like terms are terms that have the same variable raised to the same power.

Example: 2x and 5x are like terms, but 2x and 5x² are not.
What is a constant term in an algebraic expression? Give an example.

A constant term is a term that does not contain any variables; it's a fixed number.

Example: In the expression 3x + 5, the constant term is 5.

About Algebraic notation and manipulation (2.1)

These 9 flashcards cover everything you need to know about Algebraic notation and manipulation for your Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics (0580) exam. Each card is designed based on the official syllabus requirements.

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