Simplify means: rewrite the expression so it's as small and tidy as possible — without changing its value.
Quick check
Simplify (6x²)/(2x)
The simplifying toolkit
- Combine like terms.
- Cancel common factors in fractions.
- Apply exponent laws to powers.
- Expand brackets, then re-collect — sometimes simpler the long way round.
Your turn
Simplify 2x + 3(x − 1) − 4.
Simplifying never changes the value of an expression — it just writes the same thing more neatly.
Moves
- Combine like terms.
- Cancel common factors in fractions.
- Apply exponent laws.
- Expand brackets, then re-collect.
Try it
Simplify (6x²)/(2x)
Cancel 2 and one x: 3x.