Basic Algebra summary

Key learning points

• Like terms share the same letter powers: $3x+5x=8x$, but $3x+5x^2$ cannot combine.
• Expand: $a(b+c)=ab+ac$; watch double negatives.
• Substitute values only after simplifying when the question allows.

Worked example 1 — Collect like terms

Simplify $3a+5a-2a$.

Working

Add/subtract coefficients.

Worked example 2 — Expand and simplify

Expand $3(x-2)+4$.

Working

Distribute, then collect.

Worked example 3 — Factorise

Factorise $6x+9$.

Working

Take out the HCF.

Scaffolded Learning Sheet and answers (PDFs)

This page is a short, searchable overview for revision and search engines. Use the Scaffolded Learning Sheet first, then the Answers PDF for a full written solution. The printable PDFs remain the main classroom resource.