Simplifying Algebraic Fractions: Factorising | I Do, We Do, You Do | Year 8 Maths | Print Free

Teach simplifying algebraic fractions by factorising with this editable, 63-slide Year 8 maths PowerPoint. Original questions develop cancellation of numerical and variable factors, index laws, common expressions and the excluded values from original denominators.

Designed for print-free teaching: project the questions while pupils work in exercise books or respond on mini-whiteboards. Both the 24-question practice set and the differentiated whole-class task fit on one screen.

WHAT IS INCLUDED?
• One editable PowerPoint containing 63 slides.
• Six retrieval questions and six prerequisite questions, each with grouped answers.
• Lesson language covering expressions, terms, factors, factorising, numerator, denominator, common factors, cancellation and excluded values.
• Teaching examples explaining why cancellation applies to whole factors.
• Two sets of matched I Do/We Do questions in three-column, two-row layouts, with separate worked answers.
• Twenty AFL questions, each immediately followed by its answer.
• One practice page containing 24 questions and a matching answer page.
• One differentiated page with eight Developing, eight Secure and five Greater Depth questions plus a Super Challenge.
• Separate Developing, Secure and Greater Depth answers, plus a complete challenge solution.

MODELLING AND UNDERSTANDING
Examples show how to factorise the numerator or denominator before cancelling. Pupils encounter numerical factors, variable factors, powers and a shared bracketed expression. Additional matched examples cover brackets and calculations that retain a numerical denominator. Explanations show why values excluded by the original denominator stay excluded after simplification.

ONE-PAGE PRACTICE
Four columns contain six questions each. Controlled changes let pupils compare related expressions while practising numerical cancellation, factorising a denominator, cancelling variable factors and cancelling a common expression. Answers include excluded values. Numerical and algebraic fractions use stacked notation throughout.

DIFFERENTIATED APPLICATION
Developing provides eight fresh calculations. Secure extends the work through powers, several variables, subtraction and fractional excluded values. Greater Depth asks pupils to find a missing coefficient, disprove an incorrect cancellation, construct fractions with a specified restriction, find when a fraction becomes constant and challenge a claim about excluded values.

SUPER CHALLENGE
Pupils construct three fractions that simplify to the same rule but have different excluded values. They justify each construction, then decide whether two of their fractions can ever give different answers where both are defined. The solution explains the reasoning without relying on a list of trial values. A clear divider separates the challenge from the other tasks on the shared slide.

Suitable for Year 8 teaching and KS3 revision. Topic reference: M754, Simplifying Algebraic Fractions by Factorising.