Algebraic vocabulary
WJEC's mark scheme is unusually strict on vocabulary. A "simplify" question can score the M1 only if the student writes "expression" (not "equation") in any preliminary statement.
πDefinitionβ Key terms
- Term β a single number, variable, or product. Separated by + or β. In 3x + 5y β 7, the terms are 3x, 5y, β7.
- Coefficient β the numerical multiplier of a variable. In 3x, the coefficient is 3. In βy, it is β1.
- Variable β a letter representing a value that can change.
- Constant β a fixed number with no variable. The constant in 3x + 5y β 7 is β7.
- Factor β what you multiply to get a term/expression. Factors of 6x are 1, 2, 3, 6, x, 2x, 3x, 6x.
- Expression β a collection of terms with no equals sign. e.g. 3x + 5.
- Equation β a statement with =. True only for specific values. e.g. 3x + 5 = 11.
- Identity β a statement with β‘. True for all values. e.g. 2(x + 3) β‘ 2x + 6.
- Formula β an equation that links variables and is generally usable. e.g. A = Οr^2.
- Inequality β uses <, >, β€ or β₯.
How to tell them apart
| Has = ? | Always true? | What is it? |
|---|---|---|
| No (no symbol) | n/a | Expression |
| = | For some values | Equation |
| β‘ | For all values | Identity |
| =, with general use | Yes (relationship) | Formula |
| <, >, β€, β₯ | For a range of values | Inequality |
Inequality vocabulary
- "x is greater than 3" β x > 3.
- "x is at least 3" β x β₯ 3 (less obvious β includes 3).
- "x is less than or equal to 5" β x β€ 5.
- "x is positive" β x > 0.
- "x is non-negative" β x β₯ 0.
WJEC exam tip
Single-mark questions like "What is the coefficient of x in 4x β 7?" reward exact terminology. Coefficient = 4 (not β4 unless the term is β4x).
AI-generated Β· claude-opus-4-7 Β· v3-wjec-maths-leaves