AlgebraAlgebraSimplifyingCollecting Like TermsFoundation
AQA GCSE · Question 10.1 · Algebra
Simplify fully 8m + 4 - 2m + 7
How to approach this question
To simplify the expression, you need to collect like terms.
1. Identify the terms with 'm': 8m and -2m.
2. Combine them: 8m - 2m = 6m.
3. Identify the constant number terms: +4 and +7.
4. Combine them: 4 + 7 = 11.
5. Write the simplified expression: 6m + 11.
Full Answer
Simplifying an algebraic expression means collecting "like terms". Like terms are terms that have the same variable part. In this expression, 8m and -2m are like terms, and 4 and 7 are like terms (they are constants).
Step 1: Rearrange the expression to group like terms together.
(8m - 2m) + (4 + 7)
Step 2: Combine the 'm' terms.
8m - 2m = 6m
Step 3: Combine the constant terms.
4 + 7 = 11
Step 4: Write the final simplified expression.
6m + 11
Common mistakes
✗ Incorrectly combining terms, for example, 8m + 4 = 12m.\n✗ Making a sign error, for example, 8m + 2m = 10m instead of 8m - 2m.
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