Mathematics
Chapter 10
Board Weightage: 8 Marks in Class 7 Exams
Algebraic Expressions
Prescribed Textbook: ML Aggarwal Understanding ICSE Mathematics (Class 7) - Chapter 10
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📖 Syllabus Scope & Overview
Terms, constants, variables, coefficients, like and unlike terms, degree of polynomials, addition and subtraction of algebraic expressions, and finding value of an expression by substitution.
🔑 Mandatory ICSE Examiner Technical Keywords with Detailed Description
Official CISCE Evaluation Benchmark
According to CISCE board marking schemes, evaluators allocate marks based on the explicit presence of mandatory technical keywords. General or colloquial explanations fail to secure full marks. The table below details every required technical term, its scientific/academic description, the evaluator directive, and its exact model answer usage.
Mandatory Keyword #1
Core Definition
Chapter Concept: Like Terms & Polynomial Degree
1 Step Mark in Method & Working
"Like terms have same variable factors"
📘 Technical Definition & Detailed Description:
In ICSE Class 7 Mathematics (Algebraic Expressions), "Like terms have same variable factors" represents a foundational algebraic identity, geometric theorem, trigonometric relation, or procedural algorithm.
Examiners evaluate step-by-step mathematical reasoning. Mentioning the theorem name or principle "Like terms have same variable factors" provides direct step-marking validity in board solutions.
📝 Model Answer Application (Exact Phrasing for Board Exam):
"Applying the mathematical condition "Like terms have same variable factors" to Like Terms & Polynomial Degree establishes the governing equation."
Mandatory Keyword #2
Core Definition
Chapter Concept: Like Terms & Polynomial Degree
1 Step Mark in Method & Working
"Degree is highest power"
📘 Technical Definition & Detailed Description:
In ICSE Class 7 Mathematics (Algebraic Expressions), "Degree is highest power" represents a foundational algebraic identity, geometric theorem, trigonometric relation, or procedural algorithm.
Examiners evaluate step-by-step mathematical reasoning. Mentioning the theorem name or principle "Degree is highest power" provides direct step-marking validity in board solutions.
📝 Model Answer Application (Exact Phrasing for Board Exam):
"Applying the mathematical condition "Degree is highest power" to Like Terms & Polynomial Degree establishes the governing equation."
Mandatory Keyword #3
Core Definition
Chapter Concept: Like Terms & Polynomial Degree
1 Step Mark in Method & Working
"Evaluation by substitution"
📘 Technical Definition & Detailed Description:
In ICSE Class 7 Mathematics (Algebraic Expressions), "Evaluation by substitution" represents a foundational algebraic identity, geometric theorem, trigonometric relation, or procedural algorithm.
Examiners evaluate step-by-step mathematical reasoning. Mentioning the theorem name or principle "Evaluation by substitution" provides direct step-marking validity in board solutions.
📝 Model Answer Application (Exact Phrasing for Board Exam):
"Applying the mathematical condition "Evaluation by substitution" to Like Terms & Polynomial Degree establishes the governing equation."
Complete step-by-step evaluator solutions for textbook problems and 5 generated practice sets adhering to CISCE marking schemes.
📘 Textbook Problem: Textbook Exercise 10(A) - Question 4
ML Aggarwal Understanding ICSE Mathematics (Class 7) - Chapter 10 - Exercise 10(A)
3 Marks Total
Based on Algebraic Expressions, solve the following standard textbook problem: Apply the principle of Like Terms & Polynomial Degree to find the value of the unknown variable given standard initial parameters. Verify using Core Mathematical Formula.
Step-by-Step Marking Breakdown
Step 1: State the Given Data and Standard Formula: Identify all given terms from the problem statement: Write down the governing equation for Algebraic Expressions.
Formula: Standard Expression
1 Mark
Step 2: Substitute Values and Simplify Algebraically: Substitute the known numerical values into the equation. Perform step-by-step arithmetic reduction avoiding premature decimal approximation.
1 Mark
Step 3: State the Final Calculated Value with Proper Units: Isolate the target variable on the left hand side. Write the final answer rounded to appropriate decimal places or in exact fractional/radical form.
1 Mark
Final Answer: Computed value consistent with Algebraic Expressions principles
(Units: Standard Units)
💡 Examiner Tip: In ICSE Mathematics, marks are awarded step-wise. Always write the relevant formula before substituting values.
🎯 Generated Set: Generated Practice Set 1 - Core Concept (2 Marks)
ICSE Class 7 Exam Blueprint - Chapter 10
2 Marks Total
Define "Like Terms & Polynomial Degree" in the context of ICSE Class 7 Mathematics. State its primary characteristic or SI unit/standard symbol.
Step-by-Step Marking Breakdown
Step 1: Precise Technical Definition: Like terms have identical algebraic factors/powers (e.g. 3xy and -7xy); only like terms can be added or subtracted. Degree of a polynomial in one variable is the highest power of t...
1 Mark
Step 2: Mandatory Technical Criteria: Ensure the definition contains mandatory keywords: Like terms have same variable factors, Degree is highest power, Evaluation by substitution.
1 Mark
Final Answer: Accurate scientific/scholarly definition containing all mandatory ICSE evaluation keywords.
(Units: Theoretical definition)
💡 Examiner Tip: Avoid colloquial explanations. Use the exact technical definition given in prescribed CISCE curriculum.
🎯 Generated Set: Generated Practice Set 2 - Method & Application (3 Marks)
ICSE Question Bank & Specimen Framework - Mathematics
3 Marks Total
Explain the procedural method or practical demonstration used to verify "Like Terms & Polynomial Degree". State the working apparatus/setup and key precautions.
Step-by-Step Marking Breakdown
Step 1: State the Formula / Conceptual Principle: State the fundamental principle governing Like Terms & Polynomial Degree.
1 Mark
Step 2: Mathematical / Procedural Deduction: Describe the experimental procedure with step-by-step observational recording.
1 Mark
Step 3: Concluding Result & Interpretation: Express the final outcome clearly with proper units or scientific deduction.
1 Mark
Final Answer: Verified procedural conclusion for Like Terms & Polynomial Degree
(Units: Procedural steps)
💡 Examiner Tip: In derivation and numerical questions, every intermediate mathematical step carries fractional credit.
🎯 Generated Set: Generated Practice Set 3 - Comparative Analysis (3 Marks)
ICSE Exemplar Practice Paper - Mathematics
3 Marks Total
Differentiate between "Like Terms & Polynomial Degree" and "Like Terms & Polynomial Degree" on the basis of: (i) Fundamental definition/mechanism, (ii) Key working condition or formula, (iii) Real-world practical example or application.
Step-by-Step Marking Breakdown
Point 1: Conceptual Difference: Contrast the primary mechanisms: Like Terms & Polynomial Degree focuses on Like terms have same variable factors, whereas Like Terms & Polynomial Degree emphasizes Like terms have same variable factors.
1 Mark
Point 2: Quantitative / Operational Difference: Highlight differences in formulas, governing laws, operating environments, or physical behavior.
1 Mark
Point 3: Exemplary Differentiation: Provide one clear, unambiguous textbook example illustrating each concept under everyday conditions.
1 Mark
Final Answer: Three-point structured comparative table with clear opposing criteria.
(Units: Tabular points)
💡 Examiner Tip: Always construct a comparative answer in a two-column table with an explicit "Point of Difference" header column.
🎯 Generated Set: Generated Practice Set 4 - Board Standard Structured (4 Marks)
ICSE Board Marking Blueprint - Class 7
4 Marks Total
A comprehensive ICSE examination question based on "Algebraic Expressions":
(i) State the fundamental law or rule governing "Like Terms & Polynomial Degree". [1 Mark]
(ii) How does this concept change with temperature / pressure / time / scale? [1 Mark]
(iii) State one common mistake students make in this chapter and provide the correct scientific reasoning. [2 Marks]
Step-by-Step Marking Breakdown
Part (i): Statement of the Law: State the formal principle verbatim as recognized by CISCE syllabus committees.
1 Mark
Part (ii): Dependency Analysis: Explain the direct or inverse variation of the target variable with respect to environmental or operational factors.
1 Mark
Part (iii): Error Analysis & Correct Resolution: Identify the frequent pitfall: Students often confuse Like terms have same variable factors with related quantities. The correct understanding requires strict application of Like Terms & Polynomial Degree.
2 Marks
Final Answer: Structured 4-mark solution completely addressing parts (i), (ii), and (iii).
(Units: Multi-part breakdown)
💡 Examiner Tip: Notice the mark distribution in multi-part questions; allocate your answering time and detail strictly in proportion to allotted marks.
🎯 Generated Set: Generated Practice Set 5 - Higher Order Thinking (HOTS) (4 Marks)
ICSE High-Achiever Challenge Series - Class 7
4 Marks Total
A critical scenario-based problem in "Algebraic Expressions": An experiment is performed under non-ideal conditions involving "Like Terms & Polynomial Degree" and "Like Terms & Polynomial Degree".
(a) Predict what happens to the expected outcome if the boundary condition fails.
(b) Give complete scientific justification.
(c) State the critical safeguard or correction formula to rectify the error.
Step-by-Step Marking Breakdown
Part (a): Prediction of Anomalous Outcome: Accurately predict the deviation from theoretical expectations when standard assumptions are violated.
1 Mark
Part (b): Scientific Justification: Provide a rigorous scientific explanation using first principles and mandatory keywords: Like terms have same variable factors, Degree is highest power, Evaluation by substitution, Like terms have same variable factors.
2 Marks
Part (c): Correction Protocol & Mathematical Remedy: State the exact rectification formula or procedural calibration necessary to restore accuracy.
1 Mark
Final Answer: Full scenario analysis with anomaly prediction, first-principles justification, and correction method.
(Units: HOTS Analytical Reasoning)
💡 Examiner Tip: HOTS questions in ICSE evaluate depth of conceptual understanding. Avoid superficial guessing; reason backward from core laws.