11+ Algebra & Sequences Online Tests
Algebra at 11+ level means using a letter to stand for an unknown number, then working out what that number must be. Sequences means spotting the rule behind a list of numbers and continuing it. The two are grouped together because both are really about seeing a pattern and describing it precisely.
Expect function machines, substitution, one and two-step equations, and sequences with a constant difference. Stronger papers ask for the nth term of a linear sequence or for a term far along it - the twentieth term, say - which is designed to reward a rule over patient counting.
21 free Algebra & Sequences tests
Timed and marked instantly, with an explanation for every question. No sign-up needed.
- Algebra & Sequences: Easy Test 1 Easy 15 questions · 15 min
- Algebra & Sequences: Easy Test 2 Easy 15 questions · 15 min
- Algebra & Sequences: Easy Test 3 Easy 15 questions · 15 min
- Algebra & Sequences: Easy Test 4 Easy 15 questions · 15 min
- Algebra & Sequences: Easy Test 5 Easy 15 questions · 15 min
- Algebra & Sequences: Medium Test 1 Medium 15 questions · 15 min
- Algebra & Sequences: Medium Test 2 Medium 15 questions · 15 min
- Algebra & Sequences: Medium Test 3 Medium 15 questions · 15 min
- Algebra & Sequences: Medium Test 4 Medium 15 questions · 15 min
- Algebra & Sequences: Medium Test 5 Medium 15 questions · 15 min
- Algebra & Sequences: Medium Test 6 Medium 15 questions · 15 min
- Algebra & Sequences: Medium Test 7 Medium 15 questions · 15 min
- Algebra & Sequences: Medium Test 8 Medium 15 questions · 15 min
- Algebra & Sequences: Hard Test 1 Hard 15 questions · 15 min
- Algebra & Sequences: Hard Test 2 Hard 15 questions · 15 min
- Algebra & Sequences: Hard Test 3 Hard 15 questions · 15 min
- Algebra & Sequences: Hard Test 4 Hard 15 questions · 15 min
- Algebra & Sequences: Hard Test 5 Hard 15 questions · 15 min
- Algebra & Sequences: Hard Test 6 Hard 15 questions · 15 min
- Algebra & Sequences: Hard Test 7 Hard 15 questions · 15 min
- Algebra & Sequences: Hard Test 8 Hard 15 questions · 15 min
What these Algebra & Sequences tests cover
- Substituting numbers into simple expressions and formulae
- Solving one-step and two-step equations
- Function machines and inverse operations
- Continuing number sequences and describing the term-to-term rule
- Finding the nth term of a linear sequence
- Shape and pattern sequences, including matchstick problems
Algebra & Sequences: tips that earn marks
- To solve an equation, do the same thing to both sides and work backwards through the operations. If the equation built up by multiplying then adding, undo it by subtracting then dividing.
- For the nth term of a linear sequence, the common difference is the number in front of n. If the sequence goes up in 4s, the rule starts 4n, and you then adjust by a constant.
- When asked for a distant term, find the rule rather than counting on. Counting to the fiftieth term is exactly the time sink the question is testing for.
- Check your answer by substituting it back into the original equation. It takes seconds and catches most sign errors.
Questions parents ask about Algebra & Sequences
How much algebra is in the 11+?
Less than parents often fear, but it is reliably present - typically a few marks for substitution and simple equations, with nth term appearing in the harder papers.
Do children need to know the nth term?
For grammar school and the more demanding independent school papers, yes. For others it is a bonus that makes distant-term questions much quicker.
What is a function machine?
A diagram showing a number going in, one or more operations applied, and a result coming out. The 11+ often gives the output and asks for the input, which tests inverse operations.