DfE statement A17 · Algebra

Linear equations

Both tiersNon-calculator

Linear equations is content statement A17 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: "Solve linear equations in one unknown algebraically (including those with the unknown on both sides of the equation); find approximate solutions using a graph." (statement A17). 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 A17

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

Collecting the unknown on the side that leaves it negative and then mishandling the sign at the last step.
Expanding a bracket onto only the first term inside it: 3(x + 4) written as 3x + 4.
Dividing before undoing the addition, so 2x + 6 = 14 becomes x + 6 = 7.

Sample questions (10 of 30)

A17 · Linear equationsQuestion 1 of 10 · 0 correct

Practice mode· no pressure · hints available

Algebra

A17

Intermediate

Solve 2(x + 3) = 10

💡 Hints:

Foundation worksheet Higher worksheet Foundation algebra practice Higher algebra practice

Nearby statements

A1Algebraic notation A2Substitution into formulae A3Expressions, equations, formulae, identities and inequalities

Questions people ask

Is linear equations on Foundation or Higher?

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

Can I use a calculator for linear equations?

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?

Collecting the unknown on the side that leaves it negative and then mishandling the sign at the last step.

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.