GCSE & IGCSE maths practice

Simplifying expressions questions and answers

To simplify an expression, collect like terms: terms with exactly the same letters and powers ( $3x$ and $5x$ are like terms; $x$ and $x^2$ aren't). When multiplying terms, multiply the numbers and add the powers of each letter. Type answers like 3x + 5y or 12mn.

8 questions · Foundation tier · Every answer is checked as you type it, with a full worked solution. Updated 27 Oct 2026.

Start the questions Equivalent expressions: lesson

Where simplifying expressions comes up

GCSE (AQA, Edexcel, OCR)	Foundation and Higher: simplify and manipulate algebraic expressions by collecting like terms, multiplying a single term over a bracket, and using the laws of indices.
Cambridge IGCSE (0580)	Core and Extended: simplify expressions by collecting like terms and expand products of algebraic expressions.

The method

Group the like terms together (keep each term's sign with it).
Add or subtract their coefficients.
Multiplying: numbers × numbers, letters together, add powers.
Brackets: expand first, then collect like terms.

Simplifying expressions questions

Try each one before looking at the hint. If you're stuck, the AI tutor can talk you through it step by step.

Warm-up

Question 1Warm-upFoundation

Simplify $3a + 5a - 2a$

Question 2Warm-upFoundation

Simplify $4x + 3y - x + 2y$

Exam-style

Question 3Exam-styleFoundation

Simplify $3m \times 4n$

Question 4Exam-styleFoundation

Simplify $5p^2 + 3p - 2p^2 + p$

Question 5Exam-styleFoundation

Simplify $12x^2y \div 4x$

Question 6Exam-styleFoundation

Expand and simplify $3(x + 4) + 2(x - 1)$

Challenge

Question 7ChallengeFoundation

Simplify $(2a^3)^2$

Question 8ChallengeFoundation

Expand and simplify $2a(3a - b) - a(a + 4b)$

Common mistakes

Combining unlike terms (3x + 2y isn't 5xy).
Losing the sign in front of a term.
Multiplying powers instead of adding them (a² × a³ = a⁵).

Stuck on one of these?

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Sources

The questions are our own. The “where it comes up” notes are from each board's published specification, checked on 26 October 2026:

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