Printable · GCSE Foundation · ages 14-16

Algebra worksheet — GCSE Foundation

Fifteen questions across the algebra statements at Foundation tier. Choose the non-calculator filter to rehearse Paper 1, which counts for a third of the marks.

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Algebra worksheet — GCSE Foundation

Maths · GCSE Foundation · Algebra · 15 questions

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1.The formula for the energy stored in a stretched spring is E = (1/2)kx², where E is in joules, k is the spring constant in N/m and x is the extension in m. A spring with a spring constant of 40 N/m is stretched so that its extension is 0.3 m. Work out the energy stored in the spring.
(a)1.8
(b)72
(c)3.6
(d)6
2.A taxi charges a fixed fee of £3 plus £2 for every mile travelled. The journey is m miles. Write down an expression for the total cost, in pounds.
(a)2 + 3m
(b)3 + 2m
(c)5 + m
(d)5m
3.A colony of bacteria doubles in number every hour. At 9am there are 5 bacteria in the colony. Work out how many bacteria there will be at 12 noon.
(a)40
(b)11
(c)20
(d)80
4.A pattern is made from tiles. Pattern 1 has 7 tiles, pattern 2 has 11 tiles, pattern 3 has 15 tiles, and pattern 4 has 19 tiles, with each new pattern having 4 more tiles than the one before it. Work out an expression, in terms of n, for the number of tiles in pattern n.
(a)4n
(b)4n + 7
(c)4n + 3
(d)7n + 4
5.The first four terms of a sequence are 4, 9, 14, 19. Work out an expression, in terms of n, for the nth term.
(a)n + 5
(b)5n + 4
(c)5n
(d)5n − 1
6.Solve 3(2x − 1) = 27
(a)4
(b)5
(c)4.5
(d)4 2/3
7.A rectangle has width x cm. Its length is 3 cm more than its width. The perimeter of the rectangle is 38 cm. Form an equation and solve it to find x.
(a)9.5
(b)8
(c)17.5
(d)4.75
8.Solve the simultaneous equations 4x + 3y = 25 and 4x − y = 1. Work out the value of y.
(a)6
(b)4
(c)12
(d)−6
9.There are 50 adults on a coach to the Lake District. Every adult is either a man or a woman. There are 10 more men than women. Work out the number of men.
(a)20
(b)40
(c)35
(d)30
10.The first four terms of a sequence are 9, 14, 19, 24. Work out an expression, in terms of n, for the nth term.
(a)9n + 5
(b)5n + 9
(c)5n
(d)5n + 4
11.Which of these points lies in the first quadrant?
(a)(−1, −4)
(b)(4, −1)
(c)(−2, 3)
(d)(3, 5)
12.A cyclist's journey is shown on a distance–time graph. The graph is a straight line from (0 minutes, 0 km) to (40 minutes, 12 km). Work out her speed in kilometres per hour.
(a)8 km/h
(b)16 km/h
(c)18 km/h
(d)30 km/h
13.A gas company charges a standing charge plus a rate per unit used. The total cost, y in pounds, for using x units is given by y = 0.15x + 20. Work out the cost of using 200 units.
y = 0.15x + 20
(a)£50
(b)£30
(c)£203
(d)£320
14.The diagram shows part of the graph of a reciprocal function of the form $y = \frac{k}{x}$ , passing through the labelled point. Work out the value of k.
(a)5
(b)6
(c)9
(d)1.5
15.Rosie is asked whether 4(x + 3) = 4x + 12 is an equation or an identity. Which statement is correct? Give a reason for your answer.
(a)An identity, because it is true for every value of x
(b)An identity, because the brackets can be expanded
(c)An equation, because solving it gives x = 3
(d)A formula, because it works out 4x + 12 from x

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