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Simran
08/12/2025
Maths
Simplify Algebraic Expressions collecting terms
482
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8 Dec 2025
•
Master Simplifying Algebraic Expressions by Collecting Like Terms
Simran
@simran_task
1 / 8
Getting Started with Algebra
This is your introduction to collecting like terms - a skill that'll pop up in nearly every algebra question you'll face. The good news? Once you get the hang of it, it's actually quite straightforward.
You'll be working with algebraic expressions that need tidying up, just like combining ingredients in a recipe. The key is recognising what can be combined and what needs to stay separate.
Quick Tip: Always read each question twice before starting - it'll save you from silly mistakes that cost marks.
Basic Like Terms - Addition and Multiplication
Let's start with the simplest examples that'll build your confidence. When you see c + c + c + c, you're just counting how many c's you have - that's 4c. Easy as counting apples in a basket.
For multiplication like p × p × p × p, you're looking at indices (powers). Four p's multiplied together becomes p⁴. Remember: addition gives you coefficients (the number in front), multiplication gives you powers.
Adding like terms such as 3g + 5g works exactly like adding normal numbers - you get 8g. The letter stays the same, you just add the numbers in front.
Remember: You can only add or subtract terms that have exactly the same letters with the same powers.
Combining Different Types of Terms
Now things get more interesting with expressions like 2a + 3a and 2xy + 3xy - xy. The same rules apply: add or subtract the numbers, keep the letters unchanged.
For multiplication of different variables like 2r × 5p, you multiply the numbers (2 × 5 = 10) and write the letters together: 10rp. Think of it as combining different ingredients.
Mixed expressions such as 3a + 5b - a + 2b + 8 require you to group like terms first. Collect all the a's together, all the b's together, and don't forget the plain numbers at the end.
Pro Tip: Use different colours to highlight like terms when you're starting out - it makes grouping much easier to see.
More Complex Algebraic Expressions
You're getting into trickier territory now with expressions like 5bc + 2bc - 4bc. Even though there are two letters, they're all like terms because they have exactly the same combination of variables.
Subtracting terms follows the same pattern as adding - just watch your signs carefully. In 4x + 3y - 2x + 2y, collect the x terms and the y terms separately.
Powers work the same way: m × m × m becomes m³, and 3n × 2p becomes 6np. The key is staying organised and taking it step by step.
Watch Out: Always double-check your signs - it's the most common place to lose marks in these questions.
Advanced Collecting Like Terms
These questions test everything you've learned so far. Multiplication with coefficients like 4p × 5q means multiply the numbers (4 × 5 = 20) and combine the letters: 20pq.
Powers of the same variable can be added: x³ + x³ = 2x³. Think of it like having two groups of x³ - you've got 2 groups total.
Complex expressions such as 3p + 2q - p + 2q need careful organisation. Group the p terms together and the q terms together for your final answer: 2p + 4q.
Success Strategy: Work through one type of variable at a time - don't try to do everything at once.
Working with Squared Terms and Complex Expressions
Squared terms like y² + y² follow the same rules as regular terms - you get 2y². The power stays the same, you just add the coefficients (the numbers in front).
Multi-step problems such as 3a + 4b - 2a - b require patience. Deal with the a terms first , then the b terms , giving you a + 3b.
Mixed powers in expressions like 5x² + 2x - 3x² - x need extra care. The x² terms combine separately from the x terms because they're not like terms with each other.
Key Point: x² and x are completely different terms - treat them like different variables when collecting.
Mastering Pattern Recognition
By now you should spot the patterns easily. Repeated addition like e + f + e + f + e + f + e becomes 4e + 3f when you count carefully.
Simple operations such as 2x + 2x = 4x and 5y - 2y = 3y should feel automatic. Multiplication with coefficients like 2 × 4p = 8p is just basic arithmetic with letters attached.
The trickier mixed expressions like 9p + 2t - 2p + 3t test your ability to stay organised under pressure. Take your time: + = 7p + 5t.
Exam Tip: These types of questions often appear early in the paper - getting them right builds confidence for harder questions later.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Master Simplifying Algebraic Expressions by Collecting Like Terms
Simran
@simran_task
Collecting like terms is one of the most essential skills you'll need in GCSE Maths - it's the foundation for solving equations and working with algebraic expressions. Think of it like organising your wardrobe: you group similar items together to... Show more
Getting Started with Algebra
This is your introduction to collecting like terms - a skill that'll pop up in nearly every algebra question you'll face. The good news? Once you get the hang of it, it's actually quite straightforward.
You'll be working with algebraic expressions that need tidying up, just like combining ingredients in a recipe. The key is recognising what can be combined and what needs to stay separate.
Quick Tip: Always read each question twice before starting - it'll save you from silly mistakes that cost marks.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Basic Like Terms - Addition and Multiplication
Let's start with the simplest examples that'll build your confidence. When you see c + c + c + c, you're just counting how many c's you have - that's 4c. Easy as counting apples in a basket.
For multiplication like p × p × p × p, you're looking at indices (powers). Four p's multiplied together becomes p⁴. Remember: addition gives you coefficients (the number in front), multiplication gives you powers.
Adding like terms such as 3g + 5g works exactly like adding normal numbers - you get 8g. The letter stays the same, you just add the numbers in front.
Remember: You can only add or subtract terms that have exactly the same letters with the same powers.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Combining Different Types of Terms
Now things get more interesting with expressions like 2a + 3a and 2xy + 3xy - xy. The same rules apply: add or subtract the numbers, keep the letters unchanged.
For multiplication of different variables like 2r × 5p, you multiply the numbers (2 × 5 = 10) and write the letters together: 10rp. Think of it as combining different ingredients.
Mixed expressions such as 3a + 5b - a + 2b + 8 require you to group like terms first. Collect all the a's together, all the b's together, and don't forget the plain numbers at the end.
Pro Tip: Use different colours to highlight like terms when you're starting out - it makes grouping much easier to see.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
More Complex Algebraic Expressions
You're getting into trickier territory now with expressions like 5bc + 2bc - 4bc. Even though there are two letters, they're all like terms because they have exactly the same combination of variables.
Subtracting terms follows the same pattern as adding - just watch your signs carefully. In 4x + 3y - 2x + 2y, collect the x terms and the y terms separately.
Powers work the same way: m × m × m becomes m³, and 3n × 2p becomes 6np. The key is staying organised and taking it step by step.
Watch Out: Always double-check your signs - it's the most common place to lose marks in these questions.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Advanced Collecting Like Terms
These questions test everything you've learned so far. Multiplication with coefficients like 4p × 5q means multiply the numbers (4 × 5 = 20) and combine the letters: 20pq.
Powers of the same variable can be added: x³ + x³ = 2x³. Think of it like having two groups of x³ - you've got 2 groups total.
Complex expressions such as 3p + 2q - p + 2q need careful organisation. Group the p terms together and the q terms together for your final answer: 2p + 4q.
Success Strategy: Work through one type of variable at a time - don't try to do everything at once.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Working with Squared Terms and Complex Expressions
Squared terms like y² + y² follow the same rules as regular terms - you get 2y². The power stays the same, you just add the coefficients (the numbers in front).
Multi-step problems such as 3a + 4b - 2a - b require patience. Deal with the a terms first , then the b terms , giving you a + 3b.
Mixed powers in expressions like 5x² + 2x - 3x² - x need extra care. The x² terms combine separately from the x terms because they're not like terms with each other.
Key Point: x² and x are completely different terms - treat them like different variables when collecting.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Mastering Pattern Recognition
By now you should spot the patterns easily. Repeated addition like e + f + e + f + e + f + e becomes 4e + 3f when you count carefully.
Simple operations such as 2x + 2x = 4x and 5y - 2y = 3y should feel automatic. Multiplication with coefficients like 2 × 4p = 8p is just basic arithmetic with letters attached.
The trickier mixed expressions like 9p + 2t - 2p + 3t test your ability to stay organised under pressure. Take your time: + = 7p + 5t.
Exam Tip: These types of questions often appear early in the paper - getting them right builds confidence for harder questions later.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user