This key facts covers Key Rules to Remember within Simplifying Expressions for GCSE Mathematics. Revise Simplifying Expressions in Algebra for GCSE Mathematics with 11 exam-style questions and 5 flashcards. Use this page as part of a wider topic revision path rather than treating it as an isolated fact. It is section 10 of 19 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Key Rules to Remember
| Expression | Meaning | If x = 3 |
|---|---|---|
| 2x | 2 × x | 2 × 3 = 6 |
| x² | x × x | 3 × 3 = 9 |
| x³ | x × x × x | 3 × 3 × 3 = 27 |
| 2x² | 2 × (x × x) | 2 × 9 = 18 |
| xy | x × y | If y = 4: 3 × 4 = 12 |
Practice questions for Simplifying Expressions
Which two terms are like terms?
Explain why 3x + 2x² cannot be simplified to 5x³.
Quick recall flashcards
Substitution
Replace each letter with its given value, then calculate
Like Terms
Terms with same letter and power: 2x and 5x are like terms