Mathematics Algebrausually ages 11–12

Algebraic Notation

Use and interpret algebraic notation including: ab for a × b, 3y for y + y + y, a² for a × a, a/b for a ÷ b, coefficients as fractions, and brackets for grouping; read and write algebraic expressions fluently

How to tell they’ve got it

Tick these off as you see them — no test required.

Read and interpret expressions using standard algebraic conventions for multiplication, division, and powers
Write algebraic expressions from word descriptions using correct notation
Understand that juxtaposition means multiplication and that a/b means a divided by b

🖨 Print this page to keep the checklist — it prints beautifully.

Try this together

When your child sees something written as "3y" or "a²" in a maths problem, do they know what those shorthand notations mean and can they work with them?

Where this sits on the map

Stuck here? Check the skills it builds on first. Confident? Here’s what it unlocks.

Builds on

Using Simple Formulaeages 10–11Using letters in expressions extends KS2 simple formulae work

Writing Algebraic Equationsages 10–11Algebraic notation builds on KS2 expressing missing-number problems algebraically

Algebraic Notationthis skill · ages 11–12

Unlocks

Algebraic Transformationsages 11–13Translating real-world situations into algebra requires notation fluency

Expressions & Equations Vocabularyages 11–12Algebraic vocabulary requires fluency with algebraic notation first

Substituting into Formulaeages 11–12Substitution requires understanding algebraic notation

Angle sums in triangles and polygonsages 11–14Expressing angle sum as (n-2)×180 requires algebraic notation for the general formula

solid = must come firstdashed = helps

Curriculum alignment

Candidate matches to official curriculum codes — machine-suggested, unreviewed (v0.1).

Show candidate curriculum codes · 3 ACARA · 2 NSW · 3 VIC

Australian Curriculum v9 candidate

AC9M5A01medium confidenceYear 5 · Algebra

recognise and explain the connection between multiplication and division as inverse operations and use this to develop families of number facts

AC9M5A02low confidenceYear 5 · Algebra

find unknown values in numerical equations involving multiplication and division using the properties of numbers and operations

AC9M6A02low confidenceYear 6 · Algebra

find unknown values in numerical equations involving brackets and combinations of arithmetic operations, using the properties of numbers and operations

NSW syllabus codes & stages only

MA3-MR-01medium confidenceMathematics K-10 · Stage 3

MA3-MR-02low confidenceMathematics K-10 · Stage 3

Victorian Curriculum 2.0 codes & levels only

VC2M5A01medium confidenceMathematics · Level 5 · Algebra strand

VC2M5N07low confidenceMathematics · Level 5 · Number strand

VC2M5N03low confidenceMathematics · Level 5 · Number strand

These are candidate alignments generated by semantic matching — machine-suggested and unreviewed (v0.1), not official or verified mappings. For official curriculum content see australiancurriculum.edu.au, curriculum.nsw.edu.au and f10.vcaa.vic.edu.au. Don’t rely on them for registration or compliance purposes.

Nearby on the map

Algebraic Transformationsages 11–13 Collecting Like Termsages 11–12 Coordinates (age 11+)ages 11–12 Expanding Single Bracketsages 11–13

All Algebra skills →