This study notes covers Worked Example 1: Basic Simplification 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 4 of 19 in this topic. Use this study notes to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Worked Example 1: Basic Simplification
Simplify: 5x + 3 + 2x − 7
Step 1 Identify term types
x terms: 5x and 2x
Constants: +3 and −7
Step 2 Collect like terms
x terms: 5x + 2x = 7x
Constants: 3 − 7 = −4
Final Answer
7x − 4
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