Solving algebra in chemistry

Algebra often crops up in chemistry curriculums. Use this worksheet to tackle some of the troublesome techniques your students may be using and allow them to practise their algebra skills.

Starting with some simple, context-free algebraic manipulations, the worksheet then introduces problems in relevant chemistry contexts. The questions that ask for a specific algebraic operation to be performed should tease out common misconceptions, particularly if students use the transition model. Read the detailed explanation of this model in the accompanying Education in Chemistry article On balance (which also contains a number of tips for helping students with algebra).