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. This topic appears less often, but it can still be a useful differentiator on mixed-topic papers. It is section 3 of 18 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 3 of 18
Practice
11 questions
Recall
5 flashcards
Method: Collecting Like Terms
1
Identify the different types of terms
Look for: x terms, x² terms, y terms, constants, etc.
2
Group like terms together
Collect all x terms, then all y terms, then constants
3
Add/subtract the coefficients
3x + 5x = 8x (just add 3 + 5, keep the x)
4
Write in conventional order
Highest power first, then alphabetically: x² terms, x terms, y terms, constants