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Year 11 Foundation · Functions and graphs
Work out the output of a function machine
Definition
Algebra uses letters to stand for numbers we do not know yet. An expression like 2n + 1 is a rule: whatever number n is, double it and add one. It lets us describe patterns and relationships.
Why Do I Have to Learn This?
Algebra uses letters to stand for numbers we do not know yet. It turns puzzles into rules you can use again and again.
Key Rules:
- 1. 2n means 2 × n; you can drop the multiplication sign next to a letter.
- 2. Only collect "like terms": 3a + 2a = 5a, but 3a + 2b cannot be combined.
- 3. Substituting means replacing the letter with a number and working it out.
Remember:
- •n + n is 2n, not n²; n × n is n².
- •A letter has the same value everywhere it appears in one expression.
- •Keep the operation with the term when you rearrange, the sign belongs to it.
Algebra
Maths that uses letters to stand for numbers, so a rule can be written once and used for any value.
In x + 3 = 7, the letter x stands for the missing number 4.
Animated Example:
3
→×2
→+1
→7
3 → ×2 → +1 → 7
Free Work out the output of a function machine Worksheet
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Let’s Practise the Concept
Step 1 of 3
Put them in order
Tap the numbers from smallest to largest.
In order so far: nothing yet