Highest common factor with algebraic terms
I can identify the highest common factor of two (or more) algebraic terms.
Highest common factor with algebraic terms
I can identify the highest common factor of two (or more) algebraic terms.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The highest common factor of two numbers can be found.
- Common factors of two terms can be found.
- It is possible to identify the highest common factor of two algebraic terms.
- It is possible to identify the highest common factor of more than two algebraic terms.
Keywords
Factor - A factor is a term which exactly divides another term.
Highest common factor - The highest common factor of two or more terms which can be divided by all other possible common factors.
HCF - HCF is an abbreviation for highest common factor.
Factorise - Factorise means to express a term as the product of its factors.
Common misconception
That factors only apply to whole numbers and a factor needs to be a whole number.
Whilst this is true for numerical factors, the factors of 7ab are 1, 7, a, b, 7a, 7b and ab.
To help you plan your year 7 maths lesson on: Highest common factor with algebraic terms, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 7 maths lesson on: Highest common factor with algebraic terms, 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.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 3 maths lessons from the Expressions and equations unit, dive into the full secondary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions

Exit quiz
6 Questions
$$8e$$ and $$12def$$ -
$$4e$$
$$9ef$$ and $$15df$$ -
$$3f$$
$$9ef$$ and $$15def$$ -
$$3ef$$
$$8de^2$$ and $$12d^2ef$$ -
$$4de$$
$$4de^2$$ and $$12d^3e^2f$$ -
$$4de^2$$
