AI generatedAlgebraKS3 / GCSE

Recognising an identity

Distinguish a statement true for all permitted values from an equation to solve.

  • An identity holds for every allowed value of its variables.
  • Expand or simplify both sides to show they match.

Example 1

Is this an identity? Explain.

Expand the bracket. Both sides are the same for every value of .
Yes. The equality holds for every , so the identity sign can be used.

Example 2

Is this an identity? Explain.

Expand the bracket. Both sides are the same for every value of .
Yes. The equality holds for every , so the identity sign can be used.

Your turn

Question 1

Is this an identity? Explain.

Check answer
Expand the bracket. Both sides are the same for every value of .
Yes. The equality holds for every , so the identity sign can be used.
Question 2

Is this an identity? Explain.

Check answer
Expand the bracket. Both sides are the same for every value of .
Yes. The equality holds for every , so the identity sign can be used.
Question 3

Is this an identity? Explain.

Check answer
Expand the bracket. Both sides are the same for every value of .
Yes. The equality holds for every , so the identity sign can be used.
Question 4

Is this an identity? Explain.

Check answer
Expand the bracket. Both sides are the same for every value of .
Yes. The equality holds for every , so the identity sign can be used.
Question 5

Is this an identity? Explain.

Check answer
Expand the bracket. Both sides are the same for every value of .
Yes. The equality holds for every , so the identity sign can be used.
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