In the previous post I highlighted that Algebra is one of the three major contributors to the Exam. Last year it weighed more than 21% of the total exam. This means it is a critical section of the syllabus and candidates need to master the tested concepts from this section.
In today's post, I will try to explain what is likely to be tested this year in November, referring to previous Exams.
Let's begin...
1. Algebraic Fractions
Candidates are expected to apply the laws of fractions to algebraic terms. The same concepts of HCF (common denominator) and lowest term (factorisation and division) applies. The concept usually comes in two different forms and can be determined by the structure and length of the paper.
There two forms are
i) Express as a single fraction
Under this concept, two algebraic fractions must be added or subtracted. They usual have a common denominator and can be factorized to identify similar expression. Lowest term is when similar , factorized terms are canceled out to leave the fraction in its simplest/lowest algebraic terms. This is normally a Paper 2 type question usually found on the second question.
ii) Simplify the fraction:
Simplification of an algebraic fraction can be a tedious task. Candidates are required to simplify or reduce the given algebraic fraction to its lowest terms. There are obviously identical factors both in the denominator and the numerator which must cancelled out yo leave the fraction in its lowest terms .
This is normally a paper 1 question as observed in other November Past Papers.
iii) Solve the Equation
The algebraic fractions are also tested as equations that end up in quadratic equations. This can be easiest to some candidates as removing the denominator can be completed by cross multiplication. They usually carry 2 or more marks depending on the complexity of the question.
NB: These question types can be found in both papers.
In the next series of posts, I will focus on other concepts of Algebra that are likely to be tested in the Exam.
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