Algebra cheat sheet (11+ exam prep)

A quick-reference page for common 11-plus algebra questions: simplifying expressions and solving simple equations. Use it to check patterns and avoid classic mistakes.

How to use this cheat sheet

Keep it beside practice so your child can spot patterns instead of guessing.
Ask them to explain which rule they are using (e.g. “like terms” or “move to the other side”).
After a mock, circle the examples that match any algebra mistakes they made.

Key algebra patterns

The rules 11+ questions often rely on.

Like terms

2x + 3x = 5x

Distributive

3(x + 4) = 3x + 12

Move to other side

x + 7 = 15 → x = 15 − 7 = 8

Divide both sides

4x = 20 → x = 20 ÷ 4 = 5

Common 11+ algebra mistakes

Quick reminders to save marks.

Adding unlike terms: writing 2x + 3 = 5x instead of 2x + 3.
Forgetting to do the same thing to both sides of an equation.
Dropping a minus sign when moving a term across the equals sign.
Mixing up 3x and x³ (they are not the same).

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