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About this video
How to collect like terms and simplify algebraic expressions — the first real algebra skill and the foundation for equations and functions.
What it covers
- Identifying like terms
- Adding and subtracting like terms
- Removing brackets
- Combining it all in one expression
Extra worked examples
✍️ Extra example: simplify 3x + 5 − x + 2x²
- 1Group like terms: (2x²) + (3x − x) + (5).Only terms with the same variable and power can combine.
- 2Combine: 2x² + 2x + 5.3x − x = 2x; the x² and constant stand alone.
Exercises to try
Work each one out, then click to reveal the answer.
- 1Simplify 4a + 7 + 2a − 3.
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6a + 4 - 2Simplify 5x − 2y + 3x + 4y.
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8x + 2y - 3Simplify 2(x + 3) + 4x.
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2x + 6 + 4x = 6x + 6
Practise this topic
Download matching Grade 8–10 papers and worksheets.
