Edexcel IGCSE 4MA1 Algebraic Expressions: Exam Questions

Edexcel IGCSE 4MA1 Algebraic Expressions: Exam Questions and Answers

Algebraic Expressions questions with full solutions for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Mathematics A (4MA1), Higher tier. Read the 5 worked examples first, then cover each solution and redo it yourself.

5 worked examples

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Question 1 of 5
Question 2 of 5
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(x - 5) (3 x + 2)

. What is the coefficient of

x

Choose your answer · keys 1–4

- 10

3

- 13

17

What this topic covers

Basic Algebra 1: Simplifying algebraic expressions by collecting like terms.
Basic Algebra 2: Working with variables in arithmetic contexts.
Expressions and Formulae 1: Writing algebraic expressions from words.
Expressions and Formulae 2: Substituting values into formulae.
Expressions and Formulae 3: Rearranging simple formulae.

Algebraic Expressions worked examples

Worked example 1: Collecting like terms

Simplify $3 a + 5 b - a + 2 b$ .

Solution

Collect the $a$ terms: $3 a - a = 2 a$ .
Collect the $b$ terms: $5 b + 2 b = 7 b$ .

3 steps

Tip: The sign belongs to the term after it.

Worked example 2: Multiplying terms

Simplify $5 x^{2} y \times 2 x y^{3}$ .

Solution

Numbers: $5 \times 2 = 10$ .
$x^{2} \times x = x^{3}$ and $y \times y^{3} = y^{4}$ .

3 steps

Tip: Multiply numbers; add powers of each letter.

Worked example 3: Writing an expression

Pens cost 35p each and rulers cost $r$ pence each. Write an expression for the cost, in pence, of $n$ pens and 3 rulers.

Solution

Cost of pens: $35 n$ .
Cost of rulers: $3 r$ .
Total: $35 n + 3 r$ .

4 steps

Tip: Write the number before the letter.

Worked example 4: Expressions from a diagram

A square has side $(x + 3)$ cm. Write expressions for its perimeter and its area.

Solution

Perimeter: $4 (x + 3) = 4 x + 12$ .
Area: $(x + 3)^{2} = x^{2} + 6 x + 9$ .

3 steps

Tip:

(x + 3)^{2}

is not

x^{2} + 9

Worked example 5: Expanding and simplifying

Expand and simplify $4 (x + 2) - 3 (x - 5)$ .

Solution

$4 x + 8 - 3 x + 15$ (note $- 3 \times - 5 = + 15$ ).
Collect: $x + 23$ .

3 steps

Tip: Multiply every term in the bracket, including the sign.

Every question and worked example here is original, written for IGCSE Math Revision rather than copied from Pearson papers, and each answer was re-solved independently before publishing.

Questions students ask

Which Edexcel IGCSE Maths papers test algebraic expressions?

Either Higher tier paper, 1H or 2H, can test algebraic expressions: both cover the whole Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Mathematics A (4MA1) specification and both allow a calculator. Show your method, because most marks are for working.

Where can I practise more algebraic expressions questions?

In the IGCSE student hub: Unit 2 (Algebra Basics) has more exam-style questions on this topic, each with a mark scheme. Practice starts with a 7-day free trial; the worked examples and questions on this page are free.

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Edexcel IGCSE 4MA1 Algebraic Expressions: Exam Questions and Answers

Try it first

What this topic covers

Algebraic Expressions worked examples

Worked example 1: Collecting like terms

Solution

Worked example 2: Multiplying terms

Solution

Worked example 3: Writing an expression

Solution

Worked example 4: Expressions from a diagram

Solution

Worked example 5: Expanding and simplifying

Solution

Revise algebraic expressions for the exam

Questions students ask

Practise algebraic expressions with your progress saved

More Unit 2 topics: Algebra Basics