This resource is for KS3 students and continues from topics covered in my free download entitled ‘Introduction to Algebraic Terms and Expressions using Area’. The areas of rectangles and compound shapes are used to introduce the idea of algebraic terms and expressions - but this time involving two variables.

After an introduction, there are plenty of examples for whiteboard use. There is then a matching exercise, where students have to match algebraic expressions to the shapes whose areas the expressions represent.

In an extended plenary, pupils are asked to multiply and factorize algebraic expressions in one variable, multiply and factorize terms in two variables and finally expand two brackets with different variables and factorize expressions involving terms in two variables.