SEAG algebra practice
Algebra on the transfer test is simpler than it sounds. It usually means finding a missing number, spotting the pattern in a sequence, or using a given rule. Below are three real-style questions with full worked answers.
Try three algebra questions
If a + 9 = 17, what is a?
A. 6 B. 7 C. 8 D. 26
Answer: 8. Using the inverse operation, 17 minus 9 equals 8. Checking by substitution, 8 + 9 = 17, confirms the answer.
If y = 2x + 3 and x = 4, what is y?
A. 9 B. 10 C. 11 D. 14
Answer: 11. Substituting x = 4 gives 2 x 4 = 8, then 8 + 3 = 11. Working through the multiplication before the addition, in that order, is essential here.
What is the next number in the sequence: 3, 7, 11, 15, ...?
A. 17 B. 18 C. 19 D. 21
Answer: 19. Each number in the sequence increases by 4, so 15 + 4 = 19. Writing the difference between each pair of numbers is a reliable way to spot the pattern quickly.
What tends to catch children out
The most common mistakes are applying operations in the wrong order when substituting into a formula, and misreading a sequence that decreases or alternates rather than simply increasing. Reading the first few terms carefully before answering avoids both.
Practise this topic, then sit a full mock
Transfera has original algebra questions across easy, medium and hard difficulty, each with a clear written explanation. Once your child is confident here, a full timed mock brings this topic together with the rest of the Maths paper.
Keep exploring
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