Grade 9 Math (MTH1W) · Algebra

Collect like terms

Simplify an algebraic expression by collecting like terms. Unlimited questions, five difficulty levels, and a full worked solution every time — free.

Practice this skill Curriculum: MTH1W-C1.2

Try one

Simplify by collecting like terms. Choose the correct simplified expression.

4x - 4 - 5x + 2
  • −3x - 2
  • −x - 2
  • x - 2
  • 9x - 2

Answer: -x - 2

See one solved, step by step

Simplify by collecting like terms. Choose the correct simplified expression.

4x - 5y + 1 - 4x + y - 6
  • −4y - 5
  • 2x - 4y - 5
  • 8x - 4y - 5
  • −2x - 4y - 5
📘 Worked solution
14x - 5y + 1 - 4x + y - 6Find the terms that share the exact same variable part — those are the 'like terms' you can combine.
24x - 4x = 0Combine the x terms: they cancel each other out.
3−5y + y = −4yCombine the y terms: add their coefficients.
41 - 6 = −5Combine the number terms: add their coefficients.
5= −4y - 5Put the simplified terms back together — that's the fully simplified expression.

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