This deep dive covers Notation Rules (Must Know!) within Algebraic Notation for GCSE Mathematics. Revise Algebraic Notation in Algebra for GCSE Mathematics with 13 exam-style questions and 4 flashcards. This topic appears less often, but it can still be a useful differentiator on mixed-topic papers. It is section 3 of 6 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 3 of 6
Practice
13 questions
Recall
4 flashcards
Notation Rules (Must Know!)
1
Never write "1x" - just write "x"
The coefficient 1 is invisible: 1 × x = x
2
Numbers go BEFORE letters
Write 3x not x3, write 5ab not ab5
3
Don't use × symbol between numbers and letters
Write 3x not 3 × x, write 2ab not 2 × a × b
4
Use powers for repeated multiplication
x × x = x², not xx. Also: x × x × x = x³
5
Use fractions for division
Write x/2 or ½x instead of x ÷ 2
6
Letters in alphabetical order
Write 3ab not 3ba, write xyz not zyx