Simplifying Algebraic Expressions - JSS1 Mathematics Lesson Note

To simplify an algebraic expression, we combine like terms (terms with the same variables raised to the same power) and perform arithmetic operations.

Example:

3𝑥+4𝑥−2

Combine the like terms 

3𝑥 and 4𝑥: (3+4)𝑥−2=7𝑥−2

Thus, the simplified form of the expression is 

7𝑥−2

Another Example:

5𝑎+3𝑏−2𝑎+4−𝑏

Combine the like terms:

(5𝑎−2𝑎)+(3𝑏−𝑏)+4=3𝑎+2𝑏+4

So, the simplified form is 

3𝑎+2𝑏+4