Number and Algebra

    PEARSON EDI
    Vocational

    This subtopic covers fundamental mathematical concepts in number and algebra, including arithmetic operations, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, and basic algebraic manipulation. These skills are essential for solving computational problems, analyzing data, and underpinning more advanced topics in computer science such as algorithms and cryptography. Practical applications include calculating data storage requirements, analyzing algorithm efficiency, and encoding/decoding information.

    14
    Learning Outcomes
    13
    Assessment Guidance
    13
    Key Skills
    12
    Key Terms
    14
    Assessment Criteria

    Assessment criteria

    Mathematics

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Perform arithmetic operations with integers, fractions, and decimals accurately.
    • Convert between fractions, decimals, and percentages and use them in context.
    • Solve problems involving ratios and proportions.
    • Simplify algebraic expressions by collecting like terms and expanding brackets.
    • Solve linear equations in one unknown.
    • Apply the laws of indices to simplify expressions.
    • Use standard form to represent very large and very small numbers.
    • Interpret and solve word problems involving number and algebra.
    • Perform arithmetic operations with integers, fractions, and decimals accurately.
    • Convert between fractions, decimals, and percentages in various contexts.
    • Apply ratio and proportion to solve practical problems.
    • Simplify algebraic expressions using the laws of indices and expanding brackets.
    • Solve linear equations and inequalities in one variable.
    • Formulate algebraic expressions to represent real-world computing scenarios.

    Assessment Criteria

    Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

    • Award credit for correct application of the order of operations (BIDMAS/BODMAS) in multi-step calculations.
    • Award credit for accurate conversion between fractions, decimals, and percentages, and using them to solve problems.
    • Award credit for setting up and solving ratio/proportion problems correctly, including unit conversion if needed.
    • Award credit for correctly simplifying algebraic expressions, including expanding brackets and collecting like terms.
    • Award credit for solving linear equations with correct algebraic manipulation and checking solutions.
    • Award credit for correct application of index laws, including negative and zero indices.
    • Award credit for expressing numbers in standard form and performing calculations with them.
    • Award credit for translating word problems into mathematical expressions or equations and solving them appropriately.
    • Award credit for correct use of BIDMAS/BODMAS in multi-step calculations.
    • Award credit for accurate conversion between fractions, decimals, and percentages.
    • Award credit for setting up and solving ratio problems with correct units.
    • Award credit for correctly simplifying expressions by collecting like terms and applying index laws.
    • Award credit for solving linear equations with variables on both sides and verifying solutions.
    • Award credit for translating word problems into algebraic equations and solving them.

    Assessment Guidance

    Guidance for achieving higher grades

    • 💡Always show your working clearly; even if the final answer is wrong, you may gain method marks.
    • 💡Check your answers by substituting back into the original equation or problem.
    • 💡Practice mental arithmetic to save time on simple calculations.
    • 💡Read word problems carefully to identify the key information and what is being asked.
    • 💡Use a calculator for complex calculations, but be aware of the order of operations.
    • 💡Revise the laws of indices and standard form thoroughly as they often appear in exam questions.
    • 💡When working with fractions, ensure you have a common denominator before adding or subtracting.
    • 💡In ratio problems, always find the value of one part first before calculating the total.
    • 💡Always show all working steps clearly to gain method marks even if the final answer is wrong.
    • 💡Check your answers by substituting back into the original equation or problem.
    • 💡Practice mental arithmetic to improve speed and accuracy in non-calculator sections.
    • 💡Use estimation to verify that your answers are reasonable.
    • 💡Familiarize yourself with common algebraic identities like (a+b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2.

    Common Mistakes

    Common errors to avoid in your coursework

    • Misapplying the order of operations, e.g., calculating 2 + 3 × 4 as 20 instead of 14.
    • Confusing the rules for multiplying and dividing fractions, e.g., not flipping the second fraction when dividing.
    • Incorrectly converting between fractions, decimals, and percentages, e.g., writing 0.5 as 5% instead of 50%.
    • Mixing up ratio and proportion concepts, e.g., dividing a quantity incorrectly when sharing in a ratio.
    • Errors in expanding brackets, e.g., forgetting to multiply the second term inside the brackets.
    • When solving equations, performing the same operation on only one side of the equation.
    • Misapplying index laws, e.g., adding indices when multiplying powers with the same base incorrectly.
    • Not converting to standard form correctly, e.g., placing the decimal point in the wrong position.
    • Misapplying the order of operations (e.g., calculating addition before multiplication).
    • Confusing the rules for multiplying and dividing fractions (e.g., not inverting the divisor).
    • Incorrectly converting percentages to decimals (e.g., dividing by 100 instead of moving the decimal point).
    • Forgetting to change the inequality sign when multiplying or dividing by a negative number.
    • Errors in expanding brackets, such as missing the distributive property or sign errors.

    Pass / Merit / Distinction Evidence Checklist

    How your portfolio evidence is graded for PEARSON EDI Number and Algebra

    Every vocational unit is marked against named criteria rather than an exam percentage. Your tutor's brief lists the exact codes for this unit — here is what each band is asking you to do.

    Pass (P)

    Demonstrate baseline knowledge, accurate terminology, and core practical application.

    Merit (M)

    Provide detailed analysis, structured explanations, and clear workplace reasoning.

    Distinction (D)

    Deliver thorough evaluation, original problem solving, and fully justified recommendations.

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    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    • Arithmetic operations and order of operations
    • Fractions, decimals, and percentages
    • Ratios and proportions
    • Basic algebraic expressions and equations
    • Indices and standard form
    • Problem-solving with real-world contexts
    • Number systems and operations
    • Fractions, decimals, and percentages
    • Ratio and proportion
    • Algebraic manipulation
    • Linear equations and inequalities
    • Applications in computing

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