Algebra
Equations, inequalities, patterning, and proportional functions — the symbolic backbone of the MPT.
What this strand covers
- Solving linear equations and one-variable inequalities
- Patterning: identifying and extending numeric and visual sequences
- Substituting and evaluating algebraic expressions
- Slope, rate of change, and linear relations
- Recognising direct and partial variation
How Algebra shows up on the MPT
The Algebra strand on the MPT tops out at about Grade 9 content. Candidates are expected to solve one- and two-step linear equations, manipulate simple expressions, and read meaning out of a linear graph — slope, intercept, rate of change — without resorting to memorised tricks.
Patterning questions reward candidates who can verbalise what is happening in a sequence before reaching for a formula. "The figure number tells you how many tiles are added to the previous figure plus two" is often a more reliable starting point than guessing a closed-form rule.
Expect at least one pedagogy item that asks you to diagnose a student's algebraic misconception — for example, distributing a negative sign incorrectly, or treating an equation as two unrelated expressions joined by an equals sign.
Common pitfalls
- Forgetting that an equation balances — operations must be done to both sides
- Misreading a slope from a graph by counting boxes instead of axis units
- Confusing patterning rules (recursive vs explicit) under time pressure