---
title: "Algebraic Notation"
description: "Use and interpret algebraic notation including: ab for a × b, 3y for y + y + y, a² for a × a, a/b for a ÷ b, coefficients as fractions, and brackets for grouping; read and write algebraic expressions "
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/algebraic-notation-mt_KwdjWEmMNo
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/algebraic-notation-mt_KwdjWEmMNo.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# Algebraic Notation

Use and interpret algebraic notation including: ab for a × b, 3y for y + y + y, a² for a × a, a/b for a ÷ b, coefficients as fractions, and brackets for grouping; read and write algebraic expressions fluently

Subject: Mathematics · Area: Algebra · Ages 11 to 12
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/algebraic-notation-mt_KwdjWEmMNo

## Ready when they can

- Read and interpret expressions using standard algebraic conventions for multiplication, division, and powers
- Write algebraic expressions from word descriptions using correct notation
- Understand that juxtaposition means multiplication and that a/b means a divided by b

## Lesson: Algebra's Shorthand

Algebra has its own shortcuts for writing things quickly. When a number and a letter sit next to each other, like 3a, or two letters sit together, like ab, it means multiply. You never need a times sign in between.

**Example.** 3y means y + y + y, the same as 3 times y. If y is 4, then 3y = 4 + 4 + 4 = 12.

*(drawing: 3y is just a short way to write y + y + y. The 3 tells you how many y's to add.)*

A small raised 2 means squared, which means times itself. So a² means a × a. If a is 5, then a² = 5 × 5 = 25.

**Example.** a/b means a ÷ b, just like a fraction. If a is 10 and b is 2, then a/b = 10 ÷ 2 = 5. A fraction like (2/3)x works the same way: it means two thirds of x.

Brackets glue terms into one group. In 3(a + 2), work out what's inside the brackets first, then multiply the whole result by 3.

**Recap.** Letters together mean multiply, a small raised number means repeat that multiplication, and brackets mean treat the group as one thing.

## Practice

18 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Writing Algebraic Equations](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/writing-algebraic-equations-mt_i9rJbuFO3p)
- [Using Simple Formulae](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/using-simple-formulae-mt_Jvg8X0N5u0)

## Opens up

- [Expressions & Equations Vocabulary](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/expressions-and-equations-vocabulary-mt_g_fkAqmz72)
- [Angle sums in triangles and polygons](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/angle-sums-in-triangles-and-polygons-mt_J03RFlVdas)
- [Substituting into Formulae](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/substituting-into-formulae-mt_vHzVa3SURC)
- [From Examples to a General Argument](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/from-examples-to-a-general-argument-mt_vm7cigeRtg)
- [Modelling Situations with Formulae and Graphs](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/modelling-situations-with-formulae-and-graphs-mt_z5iwdZyeDr)