Simplifying and Substituting
Formulate algebraic expressions using constants, variables, operations and brackets.
A letter stands for a number you do not know yet. Treat it like any other thing you can count.
Builds onYr 6 · Simple algebra: variables
Method
Like terms
Same letter, so you can add them. Three apples plus five apples.
Unlike terms
Different letters. This will not simplify. Leave it.
Powers count too
$a$ and $a^{2}$ are not alike. Leave it.
Multiplying
Multiply the numbers, then write the letters together.
Worked example
e.g.
- Find the like terms. Group them
- Add or subtract each group
- Check nothing else matches. and are different, so stop
Practice
Simplify:
1
Answer
2
Answer
3
Answer
4
Answer
5
Answer
6
Answer
7
Answer
8
Answer
9
Answer
10
Answer
11
Answer
12
Answer