01 Key Concepts
What is an Expression?
A combination of numbers, variables, and operations (like +, -, x, /) without an equals sign, such as 3x + 5.
Terms
The parts of an expression separated by + or - signs. In 3x + 5, the terms are 3x and 5.
Like Terms
Terms with the exact same variable part, like 4x and 7x (but not 4x and 7x^2). Like terms can be combined.
Combining Like Terms
Add or subtract the coefficients of like terms while keeping the variable part unchanged.
Simplifying Expressions
Rewriting an expression in its shortest, clearest form by combining like terms and applying arithmetic.
02 Solved Examples
Example 1 Simplify 4x + 3x.
- 4x and 3x are like terms (same variable part x).
- Add the coefficients: 4+3.
Answer: 7x
Example 2 Simplify 5x + 3 + 2x - 1.
- Group like terms: (5x + 2x) + (3 - 1).
- Combine: 7x + 2.
Answer: 7x + 2
Example 3 Simplify 6y + 4 - 2y + 9.
- Group like terms: (6y - 2y) + (4 + 9).
- Combine: 4y + 13.
Answer: 4y + 13
03 Practice Questions
1Simplify 5x + 2x.
7x
2Simplify 8y - 3y.
5y
3Simplify 3x + 4 + 2x.
5x + 4
4Simplify 10 - 4y + 6y.
10 + 2y
5How many terms are in the expression 4x + 3y - 7?
3
📄 Expressions — Downloadable Worksheet
10 questions with a full answer key. Grab the PDF to print, or try the interactive version in your browser.