Look for: x terms, x² terms, y terms, constants, etc.
Collect all x terms, then all y terms, then constants
3x + 5x = 8x (just add 3 + 5, keep the x)
Highest power first, then alphabetically: x² terms, x terms, y terms, constants
This deep dive covers Method: Collecting Like Terms 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 3 of 19 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Practice questions for Simplifying Expressions
Which two terms are like terms?
Explain why 3x + 2x² cannot be simplified to 5x³.