Simplifying expressions
Algebra is shorthand for arithmetic you have not done yet. Simplifying makes the shorthand readable.
Part of your national curriculum
- Algebra: Use and interpret algebraic notation, including coefficients written as fractions and brackets
- Algebra: Simplify and manipulate algebraic expressions by collecting like terms, multiplying a single term over a bracket and factorising into a single bracket
Lesson overview
What you'll learn in this lesson
Simplify and manipulate algebraic expressions
Key learning points
- • Collecting like terms
- • Multiplying and expanding
This lesson at a glance
- 25 minutes
- 12 parts to scroll through
- 3 quick checks
- Marked quiz at the end
- Gentle pace: short sittings with pauses
Words to know
Scroll down — the lesson carries on below
Watch & discover
Part 1 of 12
Visual introductionPicture this
Simplifying expressions
Algebra is shorthand for arithmetic you have not done yet. Simplifying makes the shorthand readable.
In a nutshell
Simplify and manipulate algebraic expressions
Explore the idea
Part 2 of 12
Learn
Collecting like terms
Only identical letter parts combine: 3a + 5a = 8a, but 3a + 5b stays as it is. The sign in front belongs to the term after it.
Explore the idea
Part 3 of 12
Learn
Multiplying and expanding
a × a = a², and 3(x + 4) = 3x + 12. Every term inside the bracket is multiplied, not just the first.
Reset break
Part 4 of 12
Pause
That's sitting 1 of 3 done
Stretch, get a drink, look out of the window. There is no timer and nothing is counting down — your place is saved, so you can come back in five minutes or tomorrow.
Quick check
Part 5 of 12
Quick check
Part 6 of 12
Quick check
Part 7 of 12
Reset break
Part 8 of 12
Pause
That's sitting 2 of 3 done
Stretch, get a drink, look out of the window. There is no timer and nothing is counting down — your place is saved, so you can come back in five minutes or tomorrow.
Challenge round
Part 9 of 12
Game · Sort it
Which of these are true?
Drag each card into the right column. Tap a card first if dragging is fiddly.
True
Not true
Challenge round
Part 10 of 12
Game · Recall cards
Simplify 5a + 3b − 2a + b.
Card 1 of 4
Mastery quiz
Part 11 of 12
Marked quiz
End of lesson quiz: Simplifying expressions
4 questions, marked with the reasoning shown. No timer.
1. Simplify 5a + 3b − 2a + b.
2. Solve 4x − 7 = 21.
3. Simplify 5x+2x−3.
4. Expand 3(2x−5).
Lesson round-up
Part 12 of 12
Lesson round-up
Ready when you are
Quiz score
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Points this lesson
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Luna: 0 out of 3 on the practice checks. Only if you feel up to it — one more?
Ask LunaPart 1 of 12 · Watch & discover
How this is going
- Not looked at yet
Use and interpret algebraic notation, including coefficients written as fractions and brackets
- Not looked at yet
Simplify and manipulate algebraic expressions by collecting like terms, multiplying a single term over a bracket and factorising into a single bracket