How to Simplify Expressions

A good way to start solving math problems is to simplify expressions. Simplifying a math expression means that you are going to make the expression easier to read and solve while maintaining the same mathematical calculation. Here is a step by step guide to help you simplify expressions in math.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 

   First, you need to get rid of any parentheses in the expression. To do this, distribute any terms immediately outside the parentheses by multiplying it to each term inside the parentheses. For example, if you have the expression 2(4x+3) you would simplify it by multiplying 2 to each term inside the parentheses to get 8x+6.

2. Next, add the coefficients of like terms together to get one figure for each term. The coefficient is the number part of a term that includes a variable. For example, if you have 2x + 3x, add the coefficients together to get 5x.

3. 
   Combine constants

   The next step to simplify expressions is to combine constants just like you combined the like terms. If there are two or more numbers that do not include a variable, simply add them together. Do not over-think this step. This is just basic math like 2+2=4.