Mathematics — Algebraic Expressions

Exam board: AQA  |  Back to subjects

Board-Specific Note

Spec taught as Pure, Mechanics, and Statistics papers.

Learning Objectives

• Simplify algebraic expressions
• Expand brackets
• Factorise quadratic expressions

Key Points

• Collecting like terms
• Difference of two squares
• Factorising by grouping

Lesson Plan (50 minutes)

1. Starter (5 min): Recall prior knowledge of algebraic expressions with quick questions.
2. Teaching (15 min): Work through each of the learning objectives, explaining principles step by step.
3. Key points review (5 min): Revisit the key points together, confirming understanding.
4. Worked example (10 min): Model the example question: Simplify (2x + 3)(x - 4). Solution: 2x² - 5x - 12
5. Practice (10 min): Students attempt the practice questions independently; circulate and support.
6. Plenary (5 min): Review answers and address misconceptions.

Homework

• Expand (x + 5)(x - 2)
• Factorise x² + 6x + 9
• Simplify (3a²b)(4ab³)

Assessment

Check practice answers against the model answer; use the built-in practice questions as formative assessment.