Year 7: Simplification and Expansion of Algebraic Expressions (Level 2)

Simplifying with Multiple Variables and Powers

When simplifying more complex expressions, group like terms carefully.

Examples:

• 2x² + 3x + 5x - x² = x² + 8x (combine x² terms, then x terms)
• 4a + 2b - 3a + b = a + 3b (a's together, b's together)
• 3xy - y + 2xy + 4y = 5xy + 3y (xy's together, y's together)

Expanding More Complex Expressions

Remember to multiply the term outside by EVERY term inside the bracket.

Examples:

• 2(x + 3y) = 2x + 6y
• 3(2a - b) = 6a - 3b
• -1(x - 5) = -x + 5
• 4(2x + 3y - 1) = 8x + 12y - 4

Multi-Step Simplification

Sometimes you need to expand first, then simplify:

Example: 2(x + 3) + 3x

1. Expand: 2x + 6 + 3x
2. Combine like terms: 5x + 6