Algebraic techniques
Mathematics K–10 (2022) · Stage 4 · View this focus area on the NESA NSW Curriculum website ↗
Outcomes
MA4-ALG-C-01 generalises number properties to operate with algebraic expressions including expansion and factorisationContent dot points
Each dot point has its own page with resources matched to it.
Examine the concept of pronumerals as a way of representing numbers
- Examine and recognise that pronumerals can be used to represent one or more numerical values and when pronumerals have more than one numerical value, they may then be referred to as variables 1 resource · 1 interactive/game
- Identify and define an algebraic expression as an expression formed by combining numbers and algebraic symbols using arithmetic operations 2 resources · 2 interactive/game
- Use concise algebraic notation and conventions for multiplication, division and powers, and explain the meanings for each convention 4 resources
Create algebraic expressions and evaluate them by substitution
- Generate algebraic expressions by translating descriptions and vice versa 6 resources
- Substitute numbers into algebraic expressions and evaluate the result 7 resources · 2 interactive/game
- Generate a number pattern from an algebraic expression 1 resource
Extend and apply the laws and properties of arithmetic to algebraic terms and expressions
- Generalise the associative property of addition and multiplication to algebraic expressions
- Generalise the commutative property to algebraic expressions
- Identify like terms, and add and subtract them to simplify algebraic expressions 10 resources · 2 interactive/game
- Simplify algebraic expressions that involve multiplication and division, including simple algebraic fractions 5 resources
- Simplify algebraic expressions involving mixed operations 1 resource
Extend and apply the distributive law to the expansion of algebraic expressions
- Explain the role and meaning of grouping symbols in algebraic expressions
- Apply the distributive law to expand and simplify algebraic expressions by removing grouping symbols 11 resources · 5 interactive/game
Factorise algebraic expressions by identifying numerical and algebraic factors
- Identify and list factors of a single term 1 resource
- Factorise algebraic expressions using knowledge of factors and finding the highest common numerical factor (HCF) 6 resources · 3 interactive/game
- Factorise algebraic expressions using knowledge of factors by finding a common algebraic factor, including expressions involving more than 2 terms, and verify the result by expansion 3 resources · 1 interactive/game
Focus area resources
- Unit/PlanningStage 4 Unit 12 – further multiplicative thinking (sample unit of learning)
- Unit/PlanningStage 4 Unit 4 – additive thinking (sample unit of learning)
- Unit/PlanningStage 4 Unit 5 – multiplicative thinking (sample unit of learning)
- Unit/PlanningStage 4 Unit 7 – length and area (sample unit of learning)
Stage 4 planning resources
Stage- or course-wide documents (scope and sequences, guides) that cover this focus area alongside others.
- Unit/PlanningSample scope and sequence: Stage 4 core (NESA no. 11)
- Unit/PlanningStage 4 – sample scope and sequence
- Unit/PlanningStage 4 – stage based – sample scope and sequence