Algebra

A:12A Describing Number Patterns

A symbol can be used to describe the rule

used to obtain a number pattern.
Symbols that represent numbers are called
variables (pronumerals).

The most commonly used variables are the

letters of the alphabet. Or X, Y and Z
Find the rule to describe each pattern and use it to
complete the table of values given.

t represents the number of triangles, and

m the number of matches used.
The number of matches used is always three
times the number of triangles.
At Joe’s fruit shop,
write down a rule to give the cost of each lot
of apples bought,and use it to complete the
table of values.

apples cost 25 cents each.

If C stands for the cost in cents and
n stands for the number of apples,
 A:12B Algebraic Expressions
If an expression contains one or more
variables, it is an algebraic expression.
• The numeral 1 does not have to be
written in front of a variable.
This means ‘4 times y’
or ‘4 lots of y’
or ‘y + y + y + y’.
f × 5 is written as 5f, not f5.
 a × b = ab = ba

Since 5 × 11 = 11 × 5, a × b = b × a
The fraction is usually used
instead of the division sign.
Re-write these expressions showing
all multiplication and division signs.
Re-write these expressions showing
all multiplication and division signs.