The C1 Algebra topics all form part of the GCSE syllabus but are covered in more depth in C1.

 Key facts to remember

Ways of simplifying algebraic expressions:

o       Collect up like terms

o       Use the rules of indices to combine terms

o       Expand expressions by multiplying out brackets, then collect up like terms

 

Factorising an expression is the opposite of expanding an expression

You can write a number exactly using surds

The square root of a prime number is a surd

You can manipulate surds:

√(ab) = √a x √b               and           √(a/b) = √a/√b

To rationalise surds:

o       Fractions such as 1/√a, multiply top and bottom by √a

o       Fractions such as 1/(a + √b), multiply top and bottom by      (a – √b)

o       Fractions such as 1/(a – √b), multiply top and bottom by        (a + √b)

If you covered the full GCSE syllabus, then you should have no difficulty with the C1 algebra. If you missed some of the topics at GCSE then you might want to have a look in a GCSE textbook or revision guide to fill in the gaps in your knowledge.