Simplifying by collecting like terms
I can simplify expressions by collecting like terms.
Simplifying by collecting like terms
I can simplify expressions by collecting like terms.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Like terms and their coefficients can be identified.
- Like terms can be represented using a bar model.
- Like terms can be collected together, paying careful attention to coefficients.
- Expressions are easier to use once you have collected all the like terms.
Keywords
Like terms - Like terms are terms that have the same set of variables and corresponding exponents.
Simplify - Simplifying is to write an expression in the most efficient and compact form without affecting the value of the original expression.
Common misconception
Simplifying means just grouping the algebraic terms.
Remind pupils that fully simplifying means the expression cannot be simplified further.
To help you plan your year 7 maths lesson on: Simplifying by collecting like terms, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 7 maths lesson on: Simplifying by collecting like terms, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 maths lessons from the Expressions and equations unit, dive into the full secondary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions
5-2 -
3
2-5 -
-3
5-(-2) -
7
7-2-5 -
0
7-2+5 -
10
-7+2-5 -
-10
$$5a$$ -
$$-2a$$
$$3b$$ -
$$b$$
$$-2c$$ -
$$12c$$
$$8ab$$ -
$$-ab$$
$$bc$$ -
$${{1}\over{4}}bc$$
Exit quiz
6 Questions

