Year 7 - Maths
Factorising expressions
Expressions and equations
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils learn about generalisation and formal algebraic manipulation techniques such as substitution, collecting like terms and factorising.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to use the distributive law to factorise expressions where there is a common factor.
Key Notes
- An expression can be described as being factorised.
- An expression can be described as being fully factorised.
- The distributive law can help us factorise an expression.
- It is important to check the expression is fully factorised.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Factorise: To factorise is to express a term as the product of its factors.
- Fully factorise: To fully factorise is to factorise to the point that remaining term or terms cannot be factorised any further.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- 2(3y+9) is not factorised.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
An expression can be described as being factorised. An expression can be described as being fully factorised.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Factorise'
To factorise is to express a term as the product of its factors. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: 2(3y+9) is not factorised. Correction: It is factorised; just not fully. The distinction is important as sometimes it can be beneficial to not fully factorise.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Algebraic notation Study Guide
- Algebraic terminology Study Guide
- Checking understanding of expressions and equations Study Guide
- Generalised algebraic statements Study Guide
- Highest common factor with algebraic terms Study Guide
- Like terms Study Guide
- Multiplying an expression by a constant Study Guide
- Multiplying an expression by a term Study Guide
- Multiplying and simplifying with multiple expressions Study Guide
- Problem solving with expressions and equations Study Guide
- Representing a generalised number Study Guide
- Representing an unknown or variable Study Guide
- Securing understanding of expressions and equations Study Guide
- Simplifying before multiplying with multiple expressions Study Guide
- Simplifying by collecting like terms Study Guide
- Substituting particular values Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 7 Maths guide library.