Simplify each expression by combining like terms answer key

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With this worksheet generator, you can make printable worksheets for simplifying variable expressions for pre-algebra and algebra 1 courses. The worksheets can be made either as PDF or html files (the latter are editable in a word processor).

The expressions include ones where you need to combine like terms (such as 2t − 9 − 6t + 2), use the distributive property (such as 9 − 2(x + 7)), and to multiply and divide monomials, such as 2x2 · (−5x3) and −4x2 · y2 / 3x5.

Basic instructions for the worksheets

Each worksheet is randomly generated and thus unique. The answer key is automatically generated and is placed on the second page of the file.

You can generate the worksheets either in html or PDF format — both are easy to print. To get the PDF worksheet, simply push the button titled "Create PDF" or "Make PDF worksheet". To get the worksheet in html format, push the button "View in browser" or "Make html worksheet". This has the advantage that you can save the worksheet directly from your browser (choose File → Save) and then edit it in Word or other word processing program.

Sometimes the generated worksheet is not exactly what you want. Just try again! To get a different worksheet using the same options:

• PDF format: come back to this page and push the button again.
• Html format: simply refresh the worksheet page in your browser window.

Ready-made worksheets

Use these quick links to create some common types of worksheets for simplifying expressions. Below, with the actual generator, you can generate worksheets to your exact specifications.

See also

Worksheets for evaluating expressions with variables

Worksheets for writing expressions with variables from verbal expressions

Worksheets for linear equations

Worksheets for linear inequalities

Generator

Use the generator to customize the worksheets as you wish. You can make them as PDF or html files. The html files are editable: just save the worksheet from your browser and then open it in your favorite word processor.

To customize the worksheets, you can control the number of problems, difficulty level, range of numbers used as coefficients and constants, the usage of decimals, the amount of workspace, a border around the problems, and additional instructions.

With level 1 problems, you can additionally exclude the usage of negative integers (keep everything nonnegative).

Key to Algebra Workbooks

Key to Algebra offers a unique, proven way to introduce algebra to your students. New concepts are explained in simple language, and examples are easy to follow. Word problems relate algebra to familiar situations, helping students to understand abstract concepts. Students develop understanding by solving equations and inequalities intuitively before formal solutions are introduced. Students begin their study of algebra in Books 1-4 using only integers. Books 5-7 introduce rational numbers and expressions. Books 8-10 extend coverage to the real number system.

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How do you simplify an expression by combining like terms?