True or False? Problem-solving questions will make it clear which mathematical method they want you to use.

False. Problem-solving questions do not always make it clear which mathematical method they want you to use. This is what makes them much harder than regular questions! You need to try a few methods based on your knowledge and experience of the course.

True or False? Adding information to a diagram as you work through a question helps with problem solving.

True. Adding information to a diagram as you work through a question does help with problem solving.

True or False? A key feature of problem solving is interpreting the answer (understanding how it relates to the context).

True. A key feature of problem solving is interpreting the answer (understanding how it relates to the context). You should not just write down a final number with no explanation!

True or False? Problem-solving questions can involve linear or quadratic equations but not simultaneous equations.

False. Problem-solving questions can involve linear or quadratic equations and also simultaneous equations. In fact, they are allowed to use any mathematical technique that is on the course!

IGCSEMaths A: HigherEdexcelFlashcards

Forming & Solving Equations (Edexcel IGCSE Maths A)

Flashcards

1/14

FrontForming & Solving Equations
Use algebra to represent double the amount of a quantity.

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Cards in this collection (14)

Use algebra to represent double the amount of a quantity.
Double the amount of a quantity can be written as $2 x$ .
Use algebra to represent half the amount of a quantity.
Half the amount of a quantity can be written as $\frac{1}{2} x$ or $\frac{x}{2}$ or $0.5 x$ .
Use algebra to represent five more than a quantity.
Five more than a quantity can be written as $x + 5$ .
This is not the same as $5 x$ .
Use algebra to represent ten lots of a quantity.
Ten lots of a quantity can be written as $10 x$ .
This is not the same as $x + 10$ .
True or False?
If my sister is 2 years younger than me, then $x$ is my age and $x - 2$ is her age.
True.
If my sister is 2 years younger than me, then $x$ is my age and $x - 2$ is her age.
It is also true to say that $y + 2$ is my age and $y$ is her age.
Three bags contain $x$ , $x + 5$ and $x + 10$ marbles each. If there are 75 marbles in total, explain how to form an equation.
Three bags contain $x$ , $x + 5$ and $x + 10$ marbles each. If there are 75 marbles in total, then an equation can be formed by adding all the quantities up and setting them equal to 75.
This gives $x + (x + 5) + (x + 10) = 75$ .
Examiners want to see this full equation (before simplifying or solving).
If the total perimeter of a regular pentagon with side length $(x + 2)$ is $100$ cm, show how to form an equation.
The pentagon being regular means the side lengths are all equal.
If the total perimeter of a regular pentagon with side length $(x + 2)$ is $100$ cm, then:
1. Find the total perimeter in terms of $x$ by multiplying $(x + 2)$ by 5
2. Set this equal to 100
This forms the equation $5 (x + 2) = 100$ .
True or False?
If the interior angles of an $n$ -sided polygon are given algebraically in terms of $x$ , the total sum of the angles will always be $180 (n - 2)$ .
True.
If the interior angles of an $n$ -sided polygon are given algebraically in terms of $x$ , the total sum of the angles will always be $180 (n - 2)$ .
The polygon does not have to be regular for this property to hold.
True or False?
Problem-solving questions will make it clear which mathematical method they want you to use.
False.
Problem-solving questions do not always make it clear which mathematical method they want you to use.
This is what makes them much harder than regular questions! You need to try a few methods based on your knowledge and experience of the course.
True or False?
Adding information to a diagram as you work through a question helps with problem solving.
True.
Adding information to a diagram as you work through a question does help with problem solving.
True or False?
You can use a 'show that' answer from part (a) to do part (b), even if you did not complete part (a) yourself.
True.
You can use a 'show that' answer from part (a) to do part (b), even if you did not complete part (a) yourself.
If part (a) says to show that certain information leads to the equation $x^{2} - x - 6 = 0$ , then you can use that equation in part (b) without having proved part (a)!
Explain the phrase answer the question in context.
Answer the question in context means that your final answer should
- be related to the real-life situation in the question
- be written in sentences
- copy words and phrases from the question
- state the correct units
- be rounded appropriately
They should not be, for example:
- $x = 2$ (no explanation)
- "the length is bigger" (no context)
True or False?
A key feature of problem solving is interpreting the answer (understanding how it relates to the context).
True.
A key feature of problem solving is interpreting the answer (understanding how it relates to the context).
You should not just write down a final number with no explanation!
True or False?
Problem-solving questions can involve linear or quadratic equations but not simultaneous equations.
False.
Problem-solving questions can involve linear or quadratic equations and also simultaneous equations.
In fact, they are allowed to use any mathematical technique that is on the course!

1. Numbers & the Number System

2. Equations, Formulae & Identities

3. Sequences, Functions & Graphs

4. Geometry & Trigonometry

5. Vectors & Transformation Geometry

6. Statistics & Probability