Algebra worksheet — GCSE Higher

1.A pattern is made from tiles. Pattern 1 uses 4 tiles, pattern 2 uses 7 tiles, pattern 3 uses 10 tiles and pattern 4 uses 13 tiles, with each pattern using 3 more tiles than the one before. Work out an expression, in terms of n, for the number of tiles used in pattern n.

2.A student attempts to prove that the product of two consecutive integers is always even: (i) Let the two consecutive integers be n and n + 1. (ii) Since n(n + 1) is even, one of n and n + 1 must be an even number. (iii) Therefore, n(n + 1) is even. At which statement does the proof first assume the very fact it is trying to prove?

3.Make x the subject of the formula y = (x − 4)/5.

4.A square patio of side length n slabs is surrounded by a single border of square paving slabs of the same size. For a patio with side length n, the total number of slabs used for the patio and its border together is 9 when n = 1, 16 when n = 2, 25 when n = 3, and 36 when n = 4. Work out an expression, in terms of n, for the total number of slabs.

5.A circle has centre (0, 0) and equation x² + y² = 3721. The point (11, 60) lies on the circle. One of these is the gradient of the tangent to the circle at (11, 60). Work out which one.

6.A line has equation y = −4x + 1. Work out the equation of the line perpendicular to it that passes through the point (0, 3).

7.To solve 5x − 4 = 2x + 8, Chloe's working is shown. Line 1: 5x − 4 = 2x + 8. Line 2: 3x − 4 = 8. Line 3: 3x = 4. Line 4: x = 4/3. Chloe has made a mistake in her working. Which line contains the mistake?

8.The nth term of a sequence is 4n − 3. Work out the 7th term of the sequence.

9.A water butt holds 200 litres and is being drained at a steady 8 litres per minute. Write down the function for the amount of water y, in litres, left after x minutes.

10.A square tile has an area of 144 cm². Work out the side length of the tile.

11.Amelia's mother is three times as old as Amelia. Four years ago her mother was five times as old as Amelia was then. Work out Amelia's age now.

12.A taxi fare in pounds is given by F = 2.50 + 1.20m, where m is the number of miles travelled. Sam takes a taxi for a journey of 6 miles. Work out the fare.

13.A car's speed increases steadily while it accelerates. Its speed v m/s after t seconds is given by v = u + at, where u is the starting speed in m/s and a is the acceleration in m/s². A car starts at u = 4 m/s and accelerates at a = 2 m/s² until it reaches v = 20 m/s. Work out t, the time taken in seconds.

14.The solution set of a quadratic inequality is {x : x ≤ −3} ∪ {x : x ≥ 5}. Which of these inequalities has this solution set?

15.The formula y = x² + 1 gives y in terms of x. Work out the value of y when x = −2.