Simplifying expressions

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

Worked example

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

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.

Related skills

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

• Solving linear equationsJHS

Other Maths topics

Related study guides