Year 11 Set 2 Maths Stars
11 Set 2 have worked exceptionally hard on their Further Algebra unit, showing real resilience as they take on challenging GCSE concepts. Students have been focusing on a range of ratio and proportion problem-solving questions, many of which require forming and solving algebraic equations.
A substantial 40% of the GCSE exam is based on ratio and proportion, so this practice is building both fluency, mathematical thinking and exam confidence.
Pupil Work Spotlight
Students have produced some excellent written work demonstrating:
✔ Forming algebraic equations from ratio problems
Using examples like give that “(x + 10) : (x² – 2x) = 3 : 8”, find the possible values of students demonstrated that they can confidently cross-multiply, simplify expressions, and rearrange them into a quadratic equation that needs to be solved.
✔ Solving complex quadratics
Students expanded expressions, collected like terms, and used the quadratic formula accurately to find both possible solutions. Many pupils showed neat, careful working such as:
✔ Ratio reasoning using algebra
Working alongside the class materials, examples such as shared amounts, ratio difference problems, and algebraic setups from real world scenarios, here students practised forming equations from real-world style ratio problems
✔ Clear mathematical thinking
The students work exemplified: –
- Careful expansion and simplification
- Logical, well-organised steps
- Correct use of methods even when the numbers became challenging
- Checking solutions to see if they fit the context
The next challenge is to solve the grade 9 challenge question from June 2022.
Overall Progress
We are delighted with how confidently students are approaching these high-level problems. Their increasing fluency with algebraic manipulation and ratio reasoning will be invaluable as we head towards the GCSE exam.
Fantastic effort this week, 11 Set 2. Keep up the brilliant work!
Mrs Bennett
Maths Department
