In this activity, we will learn how to simplify expressions.

To simplify an expression we have to collect together the terms that are alike, that is all the x's, all the y's and all the terms that are just numbers.

Sometimes it is necessary to multiply out brackets.    

Remember we are just simplifying expressions.  It is impossible to solve expressions as there are no equals signs and these are not equations.

Example 1

Simplify 2x + 5 - 4x - 1 + x

Answer 1

2x - 4x + x + 5 - 1

= -x + 4 or 4 - x

Example 2

Simplify 3(x - 4) - 2(x - 1)

Answer 2

First, we multiply out the brackets to get

3x - 12 - 2x + 2

Then we collect like terms.

3x - 2x - 12 + 2

x - 10

Start the questions when you're ready!