Algebraic expressions can be simplified by gathering like terms. Like terms are terms that feature the same variable, usually shown by a letter.
Part of MathsExpressions and equations
Now have a go at simplifying the following expressions.
\(5a + 4b - a + b\)
\(= 5a - a + 4b + b\)
\(= 4a + 5b\)
\(4x - y - x + 2x\)
\(= 4x - x + 2x - y\)
\(= 5x - y\)
\(3m + n - m + 4n - 2m\)
\(3m -m - 2m + n + 4n\)
\(= 0m + 5n\)
\(= 5n\)