Worked Example 2: Multiple Variables

Part of Simplifying Expressions Ā· Section 5 of 19

Study NotesUnit: AlgebraGCSE

Simplify: 4a + 3b āˆ’ 2a + 5b āˆ’ 1

Step 1 Identify term types

a terms: 4a and āˆ’2a

b terms: 3b and 5b

Constants: āˆ’1

Step 2 Collect each type

a terms: 4a āˆ’ 2a = 2a

b terms: 3b + 5b = 8b

Constants: āˆ’1

Final Answer

2a + 8b āˆ’ 1

This study notes covers Worked Example 2: Multiple Variables 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 5 of 19 in this topic. Use this study notes 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?

  • A. 3x and 3y
  • B. 2xĀ² and 5x
  • C. 4ab and 7ba
  • D. 6 and 6x
1 markfoundation

Explain why 3x + 2xĀ² cannot be simplified to 5xĀ³.

2 markshigher

Quick recall flashcards

Like Terms
Terms with same letter and power: 2x and 5x are like terms
Substitution
Replace each letter with its given value, then calculate

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Worked Example 3: With Powers

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