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Basic algebraic problems involve one or two steps. More difficult ones involve forming equations and solving them before using the answer in some way.

Most algebraic problems will involve forming an expression and then solving it. Try to think of the steps involved and the facts you need before thinking about the algebra.

For example, if the question involves an isosceles triangle, facts you might have to use include:

• two sides are the same
• two angles are the same
• angles in a triangle add up to 180°

Common algebra problems involve links with properties of shapes, particularly angles and lengths.

Example 1