Writing Two-Step Algebraic Expressions
23 October 2026
When your child is preparing for 11+ maths, they'll often need to turn everyday situations into algebraic expressions. This skill helps them understand how to use symbols and numbers together, which is key for building confidence in algebra. Here's a clear example, perfect for showing how to write a two-step algebraic expression, just like they might see in questions on maths.com uk.
Worked example
Sam has x pencils. She buys 4 more packs of pencils. Each pack has 3 pencils. Write an expression for the total number of pencils Sam has now.
First, work out how many pencils Sam gets from the packs: 4 × 3 = 12
Next, add these to the pencils Sam already had: x + 12
The correct answer is x + 12.
| Step | Calculation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Packs bought | 4 × 3 | 12 |
| Total pencils | x + 12 | x + 12 |
After working through this example, your child will see how to break a word problem into manageable steps and write an expression using a letter and numbers. Key insight: recognising these patterns makes it much easier to tackle similar two-step algebra questions. Now, your child can try a matching question to practise this method for themselves.
