DfE statement A1 · Algebra

Algebraic notation

Both tiersNon-calculator

Algebraic notation is content statement A1 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: "Use and interpret algebraic notation, including: ab in place of a × b; 3y in place of y + y + y and 3 × y; a², a³, a²b; a/b in place of a ÷ b; coefficients written as fractions rather than as decimals; brackets." (statement A1). Every awarding organisation — Pearson Edexcel, AQA and OCR — must cover it, so the wording is the same whichever specification your school follows.
— Department for Education, Mathematics: GCSE subject content and assessment objectives, statement A1

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

Writing 3y when y³ is meant, or reading a² as a × 2 rather than a × a.
Reading ab as a + b. Letters written together are multiplied.
Losing the bracket when writing an expression: '2 more than 3 times x' as 3x + 2 is right, but 'twice the sum of x and 5' is 2(x + 5), not 2x + 5.

Sample questions (10 of 30)

A1 · Algebraic notationQuestion 1 of 10 · 0 correct

Practice mode· no pressure · hints available

Algebra

Intermediate

n = 3. Work out the value of (2n)².

💡 Hints:

Foundation worksheet Higher worksheet Foundation algebra practice Higher algebra practice

Nearby statements

A2Substitution into formulae A3Expressions, equations, formulae, identities and inequalities

Questions people ask

Is algebraic notation on Foundation or Higher?

Both. It is Foundation content, so it can be asked on either tier.

Can I use a calculator for algebraic notation?

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?

Writing 3y when y³ is meant, or reading a² as a × 2 rather than a × a.

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.