Collecting Like Terms Worksheet

Collecting like terms at a glance

Collecting like terms combines algebraic terms and constant terms to simplify an expression. We use addition and subtraction of the coefficients to simplify the algebraic expression to a single term. The coefficients are usually integers, but may be decimals or fractions. Understanding the order of operations is useful when collecting like terms.

Collecting like terms moves onto more complex expressions including constants and terms involving powers (or indices). One way to do this is to rearrange the expression to group the like terms together. This will sometimes result in an algebraic expression with two terms, which is called a binomial.

Collecting like terms can be applied to other situations such as geometry. An example of this would be being given the sides of polygons and being asked to write a simplified expression for the perimeter.

Collecting like terms is a valuable skill which is needed to support work on other topics such as linear equations, quadratic equations or rearranging formulae.

Looking forward, students can then progress to additional simplifying expressions worksheets and on to more algebra worksheets, for example a simultaneous equations worksheet or a solving equations worksheet.

For more teaching and learning support on Algebra our GCSE maths lessons provide step by step support for all GCSE maths concepts step by step.

Topics covered include algebraic expressions, linear equations, quadratic equations and algebraic fractions. Suitable for use by teachers and students as preparation for GCSE before A level.