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DigiTransact Mastermind
Maths•JHS Algebra & Linear Equations

Simplifying expressions

Junior High 6 questions
AI-drafted from platform data — specialist review scheduledBy DigiTransact Mastermind editorial teamLast updated
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What simplifying expressions means

You simplify expressions by collecting like terms, expanding brackets, and using values in place of letters. This helps you work faster in algebra and prepares you for later questions on equations.

What you will practise

  • Combine terms with the same letter and power
  • Expand single brackets by multiplying through
  • Keep unlike terms separate when simplifying
  • Substitute numbers for letters and evaluate correctly
  • Check signs when adding and subtracting terms

Before you start

You should be comfortable with integers, basic multiplication, and the meaning of letters in algebra. You also need to know how to add and subtract positive and negative numbers.

Worked example

One question from this skill's own question bank, shown with its full working.

Question

Simplify 5x + 3x − 2x.

  • 6x
  • 8x
  • 10x
  • 4x
Answer: 6x

Working: Collecting like terms: (5 + 3 − 2)x = 6x.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Adding unlike terms together, such as x and y, instead of keeping them separate.
  • Missing a minus sign when expanding brackets or collecting terms.
  • Multiplying only the first term inside brackets and forgetting the rest.
  • Substituting a value and forgetting to use brackets for negative numbers.

Curriculum and exam alignment

Ghana GES Basic 7 to 9 syllabusBECE

This usually appears in the Junior High School algebra section, before or alongside simple linear equations. It supports BECE preparation because many questions need you to simplify expressions before solving.

Curriculum notes are a general guide to where this work normally sits. Always check the syllabus your school or examination body is currently using.

Related skills

Other JHS Algebra & Linear Equations skills in Maths, at the same point in the course.

Other Maths topics

Counting with PicturesPicture Addition & SubtractionEarly NumeracyNumber BasicsSHS Core MathematicsUniversity Mathematics

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Exams that assess simplifying expressions

Junior High work on this skill feeds directly into these exam papers. Each page lists the Maths topics that appear on it.

BECEBECE practice questionsFree BECE practice across the subjects at this stage, with worked answers.GESGES practice questionsFree GES practice across the subjects at this stage, with worked answers.WASSCEWASSCE practice questionsListed as a related subject on the WASSCE practice page.

How this page was produced

This text was drafted with AI assistance from the questions and topics already stored on the platform. A subject-specialist review is scheduled but has not yet been recorded, so we do not claim it here.

Written by
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Practise simplifying expressions

6 questions with a worked answer after every attempt, and a SmartScore that tracks how close you are to mastery.

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