Algebra band descriptors

The following are amended descriptors for NAPLAN band Algebra
a) Level 8 Band 10
i) factorise quadratic expressions including the difference of two squares, e.g.
ii) manipulate algebraic formulae, equations and expressions, finding common factors and multiplying two linear expressions
iii) derive and use more complex formulae and change the subject of a formula
iv) evaluate algebraic formulae, substituting fractions, decimals and negative numbers
v) solve inequalities in two variables and find the solution set
vi) sketch, interpret and identify graphs of linear, quadratic, cubic and reciprocal functions, and graphs that model real situations
vii) understand the effect on a graph of addition of (or multiplication by) a constant
viii) identifies the pair of values that satisfies an algebraic expression.
ix) Solves a multistep algebra problem
b) Level 7 Band 9
i) square a linear expression, and expand and simplify the product of two linear expressions of the form (x ± n) and simplify the corresponding quadratic expression
ii) use algebraic and graphical methods to solve simultaneous linear equations in two variables
iii) solve inequalities in one variable and represent the solution set on a number line
iv) use formulae from mathematics and other subjects; substitute numbers into expressions and formulae; derive a formula and, in simple cases, change its subject
v) find the next term and nth term of quadratic sequences and functions and explore their properties
vi) plot graphs of simple quadratic and cubic functions, e,g, y= x2, y= 3x2 + 4,
vii) Solve algebraic equations with one variable and expressions involving multiple operations with negative values
viii) Determines an algebraic expression to model a relationship
c) Level 6 Band 8
i) use systematic trial and improvement methods and ICT tools to find approximate solutions to equations such as x3 +x= 20
ii) construct and solve linear equations with integer coefficients, using an appropriate method
iii) generate terms of a sequence using term-to-term and position-to-term definitions of the sequence, on paper and using ICT; write an expression to describe the nth term of an arithmetic sequence
iv) plot the graphs of linear functions, where y is given explicitly in terms of x; recognise that equations of the form y =. mx + c correspond to straight-line graphs
v) construct functions arising from real-life problems and plot their corresponding graphs; interpret graphs arising from real situations
vi) Determines equivalent algebraic expressions
d) Level 5 Band 7
i) construct, express in symbolic form, and use simple formulae involving one or two operations
ii) use and interpret coordinates in all four quadrants
iii) Solves equivalent algebraic expressions and expressions involving multiple operations
e) Level 4 Band 6
i) begin to use simple formulae expressed in words
ii) use and interpret coordinates in the first quadrant
f) Level 3 Band 5
i) recognise a wider range of sequences
ii) begin to understand the role of '=' (the 'equals' sign)
iii) Solves a simple algebraic expression by substituting a given number
g) Level 2 Band 4
i) Recognise sequences of numbers, including odd and even numbers