# WMA11 Algebra and functions Topic Questions

> Edexcel IAL WMA11: every Algebra and functions topic question from 25 papers (2019–2026), grouped by syllabus point. 365 questions, 1063 marks, with direct…

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Edexcel IAL · Mathematics · WMA11 · A Level

Every WMA11 Algebra and functions topic question from the 2018–current syllabus, drawn from 25 papers (2019–2026) and grouped by syllabus point. Each row opens a page listing the exact question numbers, marks and a direct link into the paper. These are questions by topic, not full papers, so you can revise one topic at a time.

- WMA11
- 12 subtopics
- 365 topic questions
- 25 papers
- 1,063 tagged marks
- [Back to Algebra and functions](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/)
- [All paper codes](https://www.examsci.com/topics/)

Core finding

**1.11 Graphs of functions; sketching curves defined by simple… is the most frequently assessed subtopic in Algebra and functions, with 78 topic questions and 200 marks across 24 papers.** 1.5 Completing the square. Solution of quadratic equations. follows with 58 topic questions and 202 marks. The topic contains 12 subtopics, 365 topic questions and 1,063 marks in total. Rows count only the parts tagged to that subtopic, keep the same colour in both charts and repeat paper count, tagged marks and year range in the native table.

## Topic question count and mark distribution

Subtopics are on the vertical axis and sorted from highest to lowest. Only the parts whose knowledge graph matches a subtopic are counted for it, and percentages are each row's share of the tagged total in that chart. A part tagged to several subtopics is counted in each bar, so the bars are not a partition of the topic total.

### Questions by subtopic

question items

- [1.11 Graphs of functions; sketching curves defined by simple equations. Geometrical interpretation of algebraic solution of equations. Use of intersection points of graphs of functions to solve equations.](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-11-graphs-of-functions-sketching-curves-defined-by-simple-equations-geometrical/) (24 papers) — 78 · 14.9%
- [1.5 Completing the square. Solution of quadratic equations.](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-5-completing-the-square-solution-of-quadratic-equations/) (23 papers) — 58 · 11.1%
- [1.1 Laws of indices for all rational exponents.](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-1-laws-of-indices-for-all-rational-exponents/) (22 papers) — 55 · 10.5%
- [1.12 Knowledge of the effect of simple transformations on the graph of $y=f(x)$ as represented by $y=af(x)$, $y=f(x)+a$, $y=f(x+a)$, $y=f(ax)$](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-12-knowledge-of-the-effect-of-simple-transformations-on-the-graph-of-y-f-x-as/) (24 papers) — 55 · 10.5%
- [1.10 Algebraic manipulation of polynomials, including expanding brackets and collecting like terms, factorisation.](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-10-algebraic-manipulation-of-polynomials-including-expanding-brackets-and/) (24 papers) — 54 · 10.3%
- [1.6 Solve simultaneous equations; analytical solution by substitution.](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-6-solve-simultaneous-equations-analytical-solution-by-substitution/) (24 papers) — 53 · 10.1%
- [1.3 Quadratic functions and their graphs.](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-3-quadratic-functions-and-their-graphs/) (21 papers) — 37 · 7.1%
- [1.9 Solutions of linear and quadratic inequalities.](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-9-solutions-of-linear-and-quadratic-inequalities/) (23 papers) — 37 · 7.1%
- [1.2 Use and manipulation of surds.](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-2-use-and-manipulation-of-surds/) (21 papers) — 33 · 6.3%
- [1.7 Interpret linear and quadratic inequalities graphically.](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-7-interpret-linear-and-quadratic-inequalities-graphically/) (18 papers) — 27 · 5.2%
- [1.4 The discriminant of a quadratic function.](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-4-the-discriminant-of-a-quadratic-function/) (21 papers) — 22 · 4.2%
- [1.8 Represent linear and quadratic inequalities graphically.](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-8-represent-linear-and-quadratic-inequalities-graphically/) (15 papers) — 15 · 2.9%

### Marks by subtopic

marks

- [1.5 Completing the square. Solution of quadratic equations.](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-5-completing-the-square-solution-of-quadratic-equations/) (23 papers) — 202 · 12.4%
- [1.11 Graphs of functions; sketching curves defined by simple equations. Geometrical interpretation of algebraic solution of equations. Use of intersection points of graphs of functions to solve equations.](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-11-graphs-of-functions-sketching-curves-defined-by-simple-equations-geometrical/) (24 papers) — 200 · 12.3%
- [1.6 Solve simultaneous equations; analytical solution by substitution.](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-6-solve-simultaneous-equations-analytical-solution-by-substitution/) (24 papers) — 196 · 12.0%
- [1.10 Algebraic manipulation of polynomials, including expanding brackets and collecting like terms, factorisation.](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-10-algebraic-manipulation-of-polynomials-including-expanding-brackets-and/) (24 papers) — 188 · 11.5%
- [1.1 Laws of indices for all rational exponents.](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-1-laws-of-indices-for-all-rational-exponents/) (22 papers) — 176 · 10.8%
- [1.9 Solutions of linear and quadratic inequalities.](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-9-solutions-of-linear-and-quadratic-inequalities/) (23 papers) — 130 · 8.0%
- [1.12 Knowledge of the effect of simple transformations on the graph of $y=f(x)$ as represented by $y=af(x)$, $y=f(x)+a$, $y=f(x+a)$, $y=f(ax)$](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-12-knowledge-of-the-effect-of-simple-transformations-on-the-graph-of-y-f-x-as/) (24 papers) — 113 · 6.9%
- [1.2 Use and manipulation of surds.](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-2-use-and-manipulation-of-surds/) (21 papers) — 110 · 6.7%
- [1.3 Quadratic functions and their graphs.](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-3-quadratic-functions-and-their-graphs/) (21 papers) — 102 · 6.3%
- [1.4 The discriminant of a quadratic function.](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-4-the-discriminant-of-a-quadratic-function/) (21 papers) — 100 · 6.1%
- [1.7 Interpret linear and quadratic inequalities graphically.](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-7-interpret-linear-and-quadratic-inequalities-graphically/) (18 papers) — 73 · 4.5%
- [1.8 Represent linear and quadratic inequalities graphically.](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-8-represent-linear-and-quadratic-inequalities-graphically/) (15 papers) — 40 · 2.5%

## Subtopic comparison matrix

Curriculum order is by syllabus number, then alphabetically. Every row links to the matching past-paper question list.

| Subtopic | Topic questions | Papers | Marks | Years | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **[1.1 Laws of indices for all rational exponents.](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-1-laws-of-indices-for-all-rational-exponents/)** | 55 | 22 | 176 | 2019–2026 | [Open topic questions](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-1-laws-of-indices-for-all-rational-exponents/) |
| **[1.2 Use and manipulation of surds.](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-2-use-and-manipulation-of-surds/)** | 33 | 21 | 110 | 2019–2026 | [Open topic questions](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-2-use-and-manipulation-of-surds/) |
| **[1.3 Quadratic functions and their graphs.](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-3-quadratic-functions-and-their-graphs/)** | 37 | 21 | 102 | 2019–2026 | [Open topic questions](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-3-quadratic-functions-and-their-graphs/) |
| **[1.4 The discriminant of a quadratic function.](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-4-the-discriminant-of-a-quadratic-function/)** | 22 | 21 | 100 | 2019–2026 | [Open topic questions](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-4-the-discriminant-of-a-quadratic-function/) |
| **[1.5 Completing the square. Solution of quadratic equations.](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-5-completing-the-square-solution-of-quadratic-equations/)** | 58 | 23 | 202 | 2019–2026 | [Open topic questions](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-5-completing-the-square-solution-of-quadratic-equations/) |
| **[1.6 Solve simultaneous equations; analytical solution by substitution.](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-6-solve-simultaneous-equations-analytical-solution-by-substitution/)** | 53 | 24 | 196 | 2019–2026 | [Open topic questions](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-6-solve-simultaneous-equations-analytical-solution-by-substitution/) |
| **[1.7 Interpret linear and quadratic inequalities graphically.](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-7-interpret-linear-and-quadratic-inequalities-graphically/)** | 27 | 18 | 73 | 2019–2026 | [Open topic questions](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-7-interpret-linear-and-quadratic-inequalities-graphically/) |
| **[1.8 Represent linear and quadratic inequalities graphically.](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-8-represent-linear-and-quadratic-inequalities-graphically/)** | 15 | 15 | 40 | 2019–2026 | [Open topic questions](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-8-represent-linear-and-quadratic-inequalities-graphically/) |
| **[1.9 Solutions of linear and quadratic inequalities.](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-9-solutions-of-linear-and-quadratic-inequalities/)** | 37 | 23 | 130 | 2019–2026 | [Open topic questions](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-9-solutions-of-linear-and-quadratic-inequalities/) |
| **[1.10 Algebraic manipulation of polynomials, including expanding brackets and collecting like terms, factorisation.](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-10-algebraic-manipulation-of-polynomials-including-expanding-brackets-and/)** | 54 | 24 | 188 | 2019–2026 | [Open topic questions](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-10-algebraic-manipulation-of-polynomials-including-expanding-brackets-and/) |
| **[1.11 Graphs of functions; sketching curves defined by simple equations. Geometrical interpretation of algebraic solution of equations. Use of intersection points of graphs of functions to solve equations.](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-11-graphs-of-functions-sketching-curves-defined-by-simple-equations-geometrical/)** | 78 | 24 | 200 | 2019–2026 | [Open topic questions](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-11-graphs-of-functions-sketching-curves-defined-by-simple-equations-geometrical/) |
| **[1.12 Knowledge of the effect of simple transformations on the graph of $y=f(x)$ as represented by $y=af(x)$, $y=f(x)+a$, $y=f(x+a)$, $y=f(ax)$](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-12-knowledge-of-the-effect-of-simple-transformations-on-the-graph-of-y-f-x-as/)** | 55 | 24 | 113 | 2019–2026 | [Open topic questions](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-12-knowledge-of-the-effect-of-simple-transformations-on-the-graph-of-y-f-x-as/) |

## Browse every topic question

- [1.1 Laws of indices for all rational exponents.](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-1-laws-of-indices-for-all-rational-exponents/) — 55 question items · 22 papers — 176 marks · 2019–2026
- [1.2 Use and manipulation of surds.](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-2-use-and-manipulation-of-surds/) — 33 question items · 21 papers — 110 marks · 2019–2026
- [1.3 Quadratic functions and their graphs.](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-3-quadratic-functions-and-their-graphs/) — 37 question items · 21 papers — 102 marks · 2019–2026
- [1.4 The discriminant of a quadratic function.](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-4-the-discriminant-of-a-quadratic-function/) — 22 question items · 21 papers — 100 marks · 2019–2026
- [1.5 Completing the square. Solution of quadratic equations.](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-5-completing-the-square-solution-of-quadratic-equations/) — 58 question items · 23 papers — 202 marks · 2019–2026
- [1.6 Solve simultaneous equations; analytical solution by substitution.](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-6-solve-simultaneous-equations-analytical-solution-by-substitution/) — 53 question items · 24 papers — 196 marks · 2019–2026
- [1.7 Interpret linear and quadratic inequalities graphically.](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-7-interpret-linear-and-quadratic-inequalities-graphically/) — 27 question items · 18 papers — 73 marks · 2019–2026
- [1.8 Represent linear and quadratic inequalities graphically.](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-8-represent-linear-and-quadratic-inequalities-graphically/) — 15 question items · 15 papers — 40 marks · 2019–2026
- [1.9 Solutions of linear and quadratic inequalities.](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-9-solutions-of-linear-and-quadratic-inequalities/) — 37 question items · 23 papers — 130 marks · 2019–2026
- [1.10 Algebraic manipulation of polynomials, including expanding brackets and collecting like terms, factorisation.](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-10-algebraic-manipulation-of-polynomials-including-expanding-brackets-and/) — 54 question items · 24 papers — 188 marks · 2019–2026
- [1.11 Graphs of functions; sketching curves defined by simple equations. Geometrical interpretation of algebraic solution of equations. Use of intersection points of graphs of functions to solve equations.](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-11-graphs-of-functions-sketching-curves-defined-by-simple-equations-geometrical/) — 78 question items · 24 papers — 200 marks · 2019–2026
- [1.12 Knowledge of the effect of simple transformations on the graph of $y=f(x)$ as represented by $y=af(x)$, $y=f(x)+a$, $y=f(x+a)$, $y=f(ax)$](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/algebra-and-functions/1-12-knowledge-of-the-effect-of-simple-transformations-on-the-graph-of-y-f-x-as/) — 55 question items · 24 papers — 113 marks · 2019–2026

## Other topics in WMA11

- [Coordinate geometry in the (x, y) plane 85 question items](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/coordinate-geometry-in-the-x-y-plane/)
- [Differentiation 93 question items](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/differentiation/)
- [Integration 45 question items](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/integration/)
- [Trigonometry 168 question items](https://www.examsci.com/topics/edexcel-ial/mathematics/pure-mathematics-1-wma11/trigonometry/)

## Topic question rules and edge cases

**How many subtopics does Algebra and functions contain?**

This page lists 12 subtopics tagged to the current syllabus. They are ordered by syllabus number, then alphabetically, and each row opens a page of matching past-paper questions.

**How are the subtopic question and mark totals calculated?**

A multiple-choice question contributes one item and its marks to every subtopic it is tagged with. A structured question contributes one item per tagged part, and that part’s marks; untagged parts of the same question are not counted here. A part tagged to several subtopics therefore appears under each of them.

**Why do some subtopics have no numbered prefix?**

Practical-skills statements and some syllabus bullets are unnumbered. Numbered statements come first; unnumbered statements and ties are sorted alphabetically.

**Is the LaTeX rendered without JavaScript?**

Yes. Subtopics that contain formulas are converted to static KaTeX HTML during the build, and the KaTeX stylesheet is served from the same site.

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