Writing a generalised statement about specific number properties
I can describe a situation using algebraic symbols.
Writing a generalised statement about specific number properties
I can describe a situation using algebraic symbols.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A conjecture about a generalisation can be expressed algebraically.
- The algebraic expression can be used to test the conjecture.
- Substituting values can reveal whether the conjecture is wrong.
- Substituting values cannot prove the conjecture unless all possibilities are exhausted.
Keywords
Conjecture - A conjecture is a (mathematical) statement that is thought to be true but has not been proved yet.
Generalise - To generalise is to formulate a statement or rule that applies correctly to all relevant cases.
Common misconception
Pupils may think it is acceptable to use the same letter for all expressions.
It may be acceptable for the letter to be the same but that depends on what the letter is representing.
To help you plan your year 11 maths lesson on: Writing a generalised statement about specific number properties, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 maths lesson on: Writing a generalised statement about specific number properties, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 maths lessons from the Functions and proof unit, dive into the full secondary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions
Any integer -
$$n$$ where $$n$$ is an integer.
Any odd number -
$$2n + 1$$ where $$n$$ is an integer.
Any positive number -
$$n $$ where $$n > 0$$
Any even number -
$$2n $$ where $$n$$ is an integer.
Exit quiz
6 Questions






