AlgebraStudy Notes

Worked Example 5: With Powers

Part of Simplifying Expressions · GCSE GCSE Mathematics revision

This study notes covers Worked Example 5: With Powers 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 12 of 19 in this topic. Use this study notes to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Topic position

Section 12 of 19

Practice

11 questions

Recall

5 flashcards

Worked Example 5: With Powers

Find the value of x² + 2x − 5 when x = 3

Step 1 Substitute x = 3

= (3)² + 2(3) − 5

Step 2 Work out powers first (BIDMAS)

= 9 + 2(3) − 5

3² = 9

Step 3 Then multiplication

= 9 + 6 − 5

= 10

Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Simplifying Expressions. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

Worked Example 4: Basic Substitution Worked Example 6: Negative Values (Tricky!)What Does "Simplify" Mean?What Are "Like Terms"?

Practice Questions for Simplifying Expressions

Which two terms are like terms?

A. 3x and 3y
B. 2x² and 5x
C. 4ab and 7ba
D. 6 and 6x

1 markfoundation

Explain why 3x + 2x² cannot be simplified to 5x³.

2 markshigher

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

11 questions on Simplifying Expressions — practise free

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Worked Example 4: Basic Substitution

Worked Example 6: Negative Values (Tricky!)