The First 3 Steps To Simplifying Expressions

1. Parentheses/Brackets (or other Grouping Symbols):

• Start by simplifying any expressions within parentheses, brackets, or other grouping symbols, working from the innermost outwards.

2. Exponents/Orders:

• Evaluate any exponents or radicals (roots) present in the expression.

3. Multiplication and Division:

• Perform all multiplication and division operations from left to right.

The Last 3 Steps to simplifying Expressions

4. Addition and Subtraction:

• Finally, carry out all addition and subtraction operations from left to right.

5. Combine Like Terms:

• After applying the order of operations, identify and combine like terms. Like terms are those that have the same variable(s) raised to the same power(s). For example, 3x and 5x are like terms, but 3x and 3x² are not.

6. Simplify Further (Optional):

• If possible, continue to simplify the expression by factoring, expanding, or using other algebraic techniques.

Example

Simplify the expression: 3(x + 2) - 2x + 5

1. Distribute: 3(x + 2) becomes 3x + 6.

2. Combine Like Terms: 3x - 2x = x.

3. Simplify: x + 6 + 5 = x + 11.