1. GCSE Maths Starter 1 Continue the next two in the sequence:
2, 8, 14, 20….
Find the mean of 12, 7, 13, 8.
If a = 4, b = 5 What is the value of 8a-6b?
What is 5² - 3²
A) Name the shape
B) Find the size of the missing angle, a: Explain your answer.
105 72
108 a

2. Lesson 1 Equations Mathswatch clip 105
To know what an equation is.
To use inverse operations to solve two step equations. (Grade D)
To solve equations with brackets in. (Grade D/C)
EXTN: To solve equations with unknowns on both sides. (Grade C)

3. Lesson 1 Equations Mathswatch clip 105
An equation means that two things are equal. A pair of scales is sometimes used to show equations because when both sides balance they are equal.
The scales below show that the expression 2x + 5 is equal to the quantity 21, where x is the number of marbles in each bag. Can you find what x must be worth?
2x + 5 = 21 x x
2x + 5 21

4. Unknowns One Side: Caterpillar Method3 n
Whatever happens to the letter on the way there, we must do to the OPPOSITE on the way back.. + 5 = 10 2
+  -
x   n 2 3 + 5 n 3n
3n + 5
x 3
+ 5
÷ 2 n =5 15 20 10
So n = 5
÷ 3
- 5
x 2

5. Unknowns One Side: Caterpillar Method5
( ) n + 4 6
Whatever happens to the letter on the way there, we must do to the OPPOSITE on the way back.. = 8 3
+  -
x  
+ 4
x 5 6
÷ 3 8 n =2 6 30 24
- 4
÷ 5
+ 6
x 3
So n = 2

6. Unknowns Both Sides: Move the smallest amount of the letter then Caterpillar Method5 n + 4 = 3 n + 14 -3 n -3 n
2n +4 = 14
Use opposites to move the smallest amount of the letter.
Then use the catterpillar as normal.
x 2
+ 4 n =5 10 14
+  -
x  
÷ 2
- 4
So n = 5

7. Questions + - x  Practice Equations (a) 3x + 8 = 20 x = 4
Now try these questions remembering to use opposite signs.
x = 3
Solve the following equations
(a) 3x + 8 = 20
x = 4
(b) 7x - 9 = 26
x = 5
(c) 5(x – 8) = - 5
x = 7
Extension Qns
(d) 3x + 7 = x + 11
x = 2
(e) 6x + 5 = 4x + 10
x = 2½
(f) 5p - 3 = 2p + 9
p = 4
(g) 4y - 7 = 2y - 9
y = -1
Questions

8. Exam Questions for you to try.
Lesson 1: Equations
Exam Questions for you to try.