How to Simplify an Algebraic Expression?

Grade 7 Math Worksheets

Simplifying algebraic expressions involves combining like terms, removing parentheses, factoring out common factors, and performing various operations according to the rules of algebra.

Table of Contents:

Simplifying Expressions
Steps to simplify Algebraic Expressions
Solved Examples
FAQs

Personalized Online Tutoring

How to Simplify an Algebraic Expression? - Grade 7 Math Worksheet PDF

This is a free worksheet with practice problems and answers. You can also work on it online.

Solve Worksheet

"We really love eTutorWorld!"

"We really love etutorworld!. Anand S and Pooja are excellent math teachers and are quick to respond with requests to tutor on any math topic!" - Kieran Y (via TrustSpot.io)

View 7th Grade Online Tutoring Services

"My daughter gets distracted easily"

"My daughter gets distracted very easily and Ms. Medini and other teachers were patient with her and redirected her back to the courses.

With the help of Etutorworld, my daughter has been now selected in the Gifted and Talented Program for the school district"

- Nivea Sharma (via TrustSpot.io)

Book a Free Class

Simplifying Expressions

Simplifying algebraic expressions involves combining like terms, removing parentheses, factoring out common factors, and performing various operations according to the rules of algebra. The process helps to make the expressions easier to work with, evaluate, or solve equations involving those expressions.

By simplifying algebraic expressions, we can gain a clearer understanding of the underlying mathematical relationships and make calculations more efficient. It is an essential skill in various areas of mathematics, including algebra, calculus, and other branches of advanced mathematics.

Steps to Simplify Algebraic Expressions

Step 1: Solve parentheses by adding/subtracting like terms inside and by multiplying the terms inside the brackets with the factor written outside. Simplify parentheses by using the distributive property, i.e., multiplying the term outside the parentheses with each term inside. For example, 2x(x + y) simplifies to 2x^2 + 2xy.

Step 2: Use the exponent rules to simplify terms containing exponents.

Step 3: Add or subtract the like terms.

Step 4: At last, write the expression obtained in the standard form (from highest power to the lowest power).

“There have been times when we booked them last minute, but the teachers have been extremely well-prepared and the help desk at etutorworld is very prompt.

Our kid is doing much better with a higher score.”

- Meg, Parent (via TrustSpot.io)

7th Grade Tutoring

eTutorWorld offers Personalized Online Tutoring for Math, Science, English, and Standardised Tests.

Our Tutoring Packs start at just under $22.49 per hour, and come with a moneyback guarantee.

Schedule a FREE Trial Session, and experience quality tutoring for yourself. (No credit card required.)

Book a Free Class

Solved Example

Expression: 2x + 3 – x

To simplify this expression, we’ll follow the steps mentioned earlier:

Step 1: Combine like terms.

In this expression, we have two terms with ‘x’ (2x and -x), and we have a constant term 3. We can combine the like terms by adding or subtracting their coefficients.

2x + 3 – x = (2x – x) + 3

Simplifying the terms, we get:

2x – x + 3

Step 2: Perform operations.

Now, we can simplify the expression further by performing the subtraction operation between 2x and x.

2x – x + 3 = x + 3

So, the simplified form of the expression 2x + 3 – x is x + 3.

We have combined the like terms (2x and -x) to get the simplified expression x + 3, where ‘x’ represents the variable and 3 is the constant term.

Do You Stack Up Against the Best?

If you have 30 minutes, try our free diagnostics test and assess your skills.

Free Diagnostic Test for 7th Grade

FAQS

What is the purpose of simplifying algebraic expressions?

Simplifying algebraic expressions helps make them easier to work with, evaluate, or solve equations involving those expressions. It allows for a clearer understanding of the underlying mathematical relationships and can make calculations more efficient.

What are the basic steps to simplify an algebraic expression?

The basic steps to simplify an algebraic expression include combining like terms, removing parentheses using the distributive property, rearranging terms, factoring out common factors, and simplifying further if possible.

How do I combine like terms?

To combine like terms, add or subtract their coefficients while keeping the variable(s) and exponent(s) unchanged. For example, 3x + 2x can be combined to give 5x.

What is the distributive property, and how is it used in simplification?

The distributive property allows us to multiply a number or term to each term inside parentheses. For example, in the expression 2(3x + 4), we distribute the 2 to get 6x + 8.

Gloria Mathew writes on math topics for K-12. A trained writer and communicator, she makes math accessible and understandable to students at all levels. Her ability to explain complex math concepts with easy to understand examples helps students master math. LinkedIn

Affordable Tutoring Now Starts at Just $22.49

eTutorWorld offers affordable one-on-one live tutoring over the web for Grades K-12. We are also a leading provider of Test Prep help for Standardized Tests (SCAT, CogAT, MAP, SSAT, SAT, ACT, ISEE, and AP).

What makes eTutorWorld stand apart are: flexibility in lesson scheduling, quality of hand-picked tutors, assignment of tutors based on academic counseling and diagnostic tests of each student, and our 100% money-back guarantee.

Whether you have never tried personalized online tutoring before or are looking for better tutors and flexibility at an affordable price point, schedule a FREE TRIAL Session with us today.

*There is no purchase obligation or credit card requirement

Book a Free Class