PSLE algebra questions with worked answers
PSLE algebra is short and exact, which makes every slip expensive. Your child needs to write an expression from words, collect like terms without mixing letters and numbers, and solve a simple equation to check it.
What the PSLE tests in algebra
- Using a letter to stand for an unknown number
- Writing simple algebraic expressions in one variable from a word statement
- Simplifying expressions by collecting like terms
- Evaluating an expression by substituting a whole number
- Solving simple linear equations involving whole numbers
Where children lose the most marks
- Turning a sentence like "$3 more than the pen" into y + 3 and then using it several times
- Simplifying expressions where letter terms and number terms must stay separate
- Multi-part questions where part (b) depends on the expression found in part (a)
A PSLE-style question, worked
A pen costs $y. A file costs $3 more than a pen. Farah buys 4 pens and 2 files. (a) Write an expression, in its simplest form, for the total cost in dollars. (b) Farah pays $42 altogether. Find the value of y.
- (a) 1 file = $(y + 3)
- 4 pens = 4y
- 2 files = 2y + 6
- Total = 4y + 2y + 6 = 6y + 6
- (b) 6y + 6 = 42
- 6y = 42 − 6 = 36
- y = 36 ÷ 6 = 6
- Check: 4 × $6 + 2 × $9 = $24 + $18 = $42
Why (a) 12y (b) y = 3.5 is wrong: The child added 6y and 6 as if they were like terms, giving 12y, then solved 12y = 42. A term with a letter and a plain number cannot be combined.
Free PSLE algebra questions with answers
Careless mistakes to watch in algebra
Collecting like terms in algebra
Your child simplifies 7y + 5 − 3y − 8 to 4y + 3 and the sign is lost. Why PSLE algebra slips happen and simple ways to fix them at home.
See the fix →Calculation slip
Your child uses the right method but slips on the arithmetic, like a missing zero in long division. How to spot calculation slips and cut them down.
See the fix →Questions parents ask
Are negative numbers tested in PSLE algebra?
No. PSLE algebra uses whole numbers only, with expressions in one letter and simple linear equations.
Does PSLE algebra include solving equations?
Yes. Solving simple linear equations involving whole numbers is part of the P6 syllabus, alongside writing, simplifying and evaluating expressions.
My child understands algebra in class but still loses marks. Why?
Collecting like terms is where most marks go, for example writing 6y + 6 as 12y. Knowbotic shows the step where it went wrong and has your child practise that habit until they get 3 right in a row.
See which habits are costing your child marks.
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