Algebraic Expressions

GCSE Skills

• You need to be able to work with algebraic expressions confidently
• You can use the index laws to simplify algebraic expressions
• You can square or cube a whole expression
  • Remember that if a letter appears on its own then it has the power 1
• Algebraic expressions may also contain negative and fractional indices

One at a time

• When you are multiplying expressions:
  • Multiply any number parts first
  • Add the powers of each letter to work out the new power
• When you are dividing expressions:
  • Divide any number parts first
  • Subtract the powers of each letter to work out the new power

Working it out

• Start by simplifying the top part of the fraction
• Do the number part first then the powers
• Next divide the expressions
• Divide the number part, then divide the indices