The following are true when simplifying expressions:

• The order of operations should be used.


• The process does not require an equals sign.


• Like terms are combined.


• The final answer is in its simplest form.

Use the link below to further study examples of simplifying expressions.

Simplified expression activity

Although you simplify the expressions on each side of the equals sign, this process is called solving an equation.

−4x + 4 = 8x − 5
−12x = −9
x =

−9 −12

x =

3 4