Simplifying an expression

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We can often algebraic expressions by 'collecting like terms'.

Look at the expression \(2x + 5y + x - 3y\)

There are four terms \(2x,\,5y,\,x\,and\, - 3y.\)

Two of the terms involve \(x\) and two involve \(y\).

Now we can combine the \(x\) terms and combine the \(y\) terms to get \(3x + 2y\).

Example

Collect like terms and simplify this algebraic expression:

\(a + 4b + 3a - 3b\)

Answer

\(4a + b\) (\(a+3a = 4a\) and \(4b-3b = 1b\))

Now have a go at simplifying the following expressions.

Question

\(5a + 4b - a + b\)

Question

\(4x - y - x + 2x\)

Question

\(3m + n - m + 4n - 2m\)

Now we combine multiplying out brackets and collecting like terms, to simplify algebraic expressions.

Question

Simplify \(3(x - 2y) + 4x\)

Question

Simplify \(3(x + y) + 2(x - y)\)

Algebraic skillsSimplifying an expression