Working with letters as variables and unknowns. Expressions, equations, formulae, identities. Linear, quadratic, simultaneous equations and inequalities. Sequences, functions, graphs. The discipline of generalising from particular cases to mathematical structure.
Tested by
- Edexcel IGCSE 4MA1 AO1 (Number and algebra; 57–63% of grade) — content areas 2 (Equations, formulae and identities) and 3 (Sequences, functions and graphs)
- AQA GCSE 8300 AO1 applied to the Algebra content domain
FS Maths L2 does not include algebra as a separate strand — algebraic structure is not part of the Functional Skills assessment at any level. This is a meaningful gap if a learner needs algebra-fluency for further study.
Foundation vs Higher
Foundation: simplifying expressions, factorising, solving linear equations and simple inequalities, solving simultaneous equations, basic quadratics by factorisation, sequences with linear nth-term rule, plotting linear and quadratic graphs.
Higher: solving harder simultaneous equations including one quadratic, completing the square, the quadratic formula, algebraic fractions, function notation and inverse functions, transformations of graphs.
Mastery descriptors
- emerging — substitutes into simple formulae; solves one-step equations with support
- developing — solves linear equations and inequalities; manipulates expressions; works with sequences
- secure — solves quadratics by multiple methods; handles simultaneous equations; works fluently with functions and graphs
- mastering — algebraic manipulation as fluent reasoning; uses algebraic structure to model and solve unfamiliar problems