Week 2: Algebra Basics

This week is all about basic algebra. It includes the use of symbols, simplification and factorisation of algebraic expressions, indices and handling algebraic fractions.

See how much you can remember before using any resources. You won’t need a calculator for this week’s questions.

Download questions

Self-evaluation

How did you get on with the questions?

You can check your answeres here with the worked solutions

If you could confidently solve all the questions, you are ready for next week's topic.
If you had some issues with the questions, use the HELM workbooks below to revise the topics for this week.

HELM workbooks:

Did you successfully work through the HELM workbooks?

If you feel confident with this week's topic after using the workbooks, you are ready for next week.

If you need further support, the additional resources below will be able to help you.

Once you are at Loughborough, you can also see a tutor in the Mathematics Learning Support Centre.

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Additional resources

Basic Algebra Lessons for Beginners

Mathcentre Business Leaflets

2.1 Symbols
2.2 Substitution
2.3 Sigma notation
2.4 Laws of indices
2.5 Negative & fractional powers
2.6 Remove brackets(1)
2.7 Remove brackets(2)
2.8 Factorising simple expressions
2.9 Factorising quadratics
2.10 Simplifying fractions
2.11 Addition & subtraction of fractions
2.12 Multiplication & division of fractions

Interactive Questions from MathsE.G.

developed by Martin Greenhow and Abdul Rahman Kamavi at the Department of Mathematical Sciences, Brunel University, UK and released under a CC Licence