DfE statement A3 · Algebra
Expressions, equations, formulae, identities and inequalities
Expressions, equations, formulae, identities and inequalities is content statement A3 of the DfE GCSE mathematics subject content, in the algebra area. It is on both tiers, and it is examined without a calculator. Below is what the specification actually requires, the 3 mistakes that cost marks on this topic most often, and practice questions written to the statement — original questions, not past papers.
What the specification says
The DfE subject content for GCSE mathematics states, verbatim: "Understand and use the concepts and vocabulary of expressions, equations, formulae, identities, inequalities, terms and factors." (statement A3). Every awarding organisation — Pearson Edexcel, AQA and OCR — must cover it, so the wording is the same whichever specification your school follows.
Tier
Both tiers. This statement is Foundation content, which means Higher students are examined on it too — Higher is Foundation plus more, never instead of it.
Calculator
This is non-calculator territory. Questions on it belong naturally on Paper 1, where written method is all you have — so practise it that way rather than with a calculator to hand.
Common mistakes
- Trying to 'solve' an expression. An expression has no equals sign and cannot be solved — it can only be simplified or evaluated.
- Treating an identity as an equation with a single solution. An identity is true for every value of the letter.
- Calling the coefficient the term, or the term the factor, when a question asks you to name one of them.
Sample questions (10 of 30)
Nearby statements
Questions people ask
Is expressions, equations, formulae, identities and inequalities on Foundation or Higher?
Both. It is Foundation content, so it can be asked on either tier.
Can I use a calculator for expressions, equations, formulae, identities and inequalities?
Not on Paper 1, which is where this normally appears. Paper 1 is non-calculator for both tiers and carries the same 80 marks as each of the other two papers.
What is the single most common mistake here?
Trying to 'solve' an expression. An expression has no equals sign and cannot be solved — it can only be simplified or evaluated.
Are these past paper questions?
No. Every question is original, written to this DfE content statement and checked before publication. We do not host past papers or mark schemes.
Back to Algebra at Foundation or at Higher.