Year 7 - Maths
Highest common factor with algebraic terms
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 identify the highest common factor of two (or more) algebraic terms.
Key Notes
- The highest common factor of two numbers can be found.
- Common factors of two terms can be found.
- It is possible to identify the highest common factor of two algebraic terms.
- It is possible to identify the highest common factor of more than two algebraic terms.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Factor: A factor is a term which exactly divides another term.
- Highest common factor: The highest common factor of two or more terms which can be divided by all other possible common factors.
- HCF: HCF is an abbreviation for highest common factor.
- Factorise: Factorise means to express a term as the product of its factors.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- That factors only apply to whole numbers and a factor needs to be a whole number.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
The highest common factor of two numbers can be found. Common factors of two terms can be found.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Factor'
A factor is a term which exactly divides another term. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: That factors only apply to whole numbers and a factor needs to be a whole number. Correction: Whilst this is true for numerical factors, the factors of 7ab are 1, 7, a, b, 7a, 7b and ab.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Algebraic notation Study Guide
- Algebraic terminology Study Guide
- Checking understanding of expressions and equations Study Guide
- Factorising expressions Study Guide
- Generalised algebraic statements 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.