Year 7: Simplification and expansion of algebraic expressions

This cheat sheet will help you simplify and expand algebraic expressions. It's all about making things easier!

Simplifying Expressions

Collecting Like Terms

Like terms have the same variables and powers. You can combine them.

• Example: 2x + 3x = 5x
• Example: 2y + 4y - y = 5y

Removing Brackets (Expanding)

When you multiply a bracket by each term inside, it's called expanding. Remember the rules: a(b + c) = ab + ac.

Examples:
• 2(x + 3) = 2x + 6
• 3(2y - 1) = 6y - 3

Remember: Always multiply all terms in the bracket by the term outside!