Before we understand the meaning of expressions, let us know about variables and terms.
A variable is an unknown number represented by letters a, b, x, y etc. A term is a combination of variables and numbers. For example, 12x, 9, x, 12yz etc.
(Note: Only numbers or only variables are also called terms.)
Terms separated by arithmetic operations (+, -, , ) are known as expressions. For example, 10a - 16b
Simplifying expressions means writing them in the simplest form possible. To simplify expressions, we need to know about like terms.
Like terms are terms with the same letters and indices, while unlike terms have different letters or indices.
Examples of like terms are 11y, 10y or 8a², 11a² etc.
Examples of unlike terms are p, pq or n, n² etc.
To simplify an algebraic expression, add or subtract only the like terms.
For example let us try to simplify 2x + 12x - 7y - 2y.
First, identify the like terms in the expression. Here 2x and 12x are like terms while 7y and 2y are like terms.
So add or subtract the like terms just like we add two numbers keeping in mind the signs in front of them. 2x + 12x = 14x and -7y - 2y = -9y. We can write it as 14x - 9y.
Since 14x and 9y are unlike terms, we cannot simplify further, and 14x - 9y is the answer.
Sometimes an expression can contain brackets which need to be expanded before simplifying it. To expand a bracket, multiply the term outside the bracket with each of the terms inside the bracket.
For example consider the expression 2(y + 3) + 2y.
First, we expand the brackets, 2y + 23 + 2y
Note that we don’t write the ‘’ symbol between numbers or variables. So, 2y means 2y.
We get 2y + 6 + 2y. Now add the like terms, which gives 4y + 6.
Example: Simplify 2a + 3b - 4c + 10a - 4b + 6c
Solution: Writing like terms together, 2a + 10a + 3b - 4b - 4c + 6c
Add or subtract the like terms, 12a - b + 2c
Example: Expand and simplify 5(a + b) - a(3 + b)
Solution: Expanding brackets, 5a + 5b - a³ - ab
Rewrite without the ‘’ sign, 5a + 5b - 3a - ab
Add or subtract the like terms, 2a + 5b - ab
What counts as a "good" score will vary depending on the school you want to attend. The standardized 11 Plus test score average across the country is roughly 100. The highest average in some areas is 111. The lowest scores would often fall between 60 and 70, while the highest scores would normally fall between 130 and 140. To achieve excellent marks on 11+ Maths Exams, practice 11+ Maths topic-wise questions.
The best way to prepare for the 11+ Maths Exam is by practicing 11+ Maths topic-wise questions regularly.
Maths online subscriptions are “Non-Refundable“. No refunds can be issued for any reason. This is because of the nature of digital products.
You should, therefore, make sure that the Maths online subscriptions fulfil your needs before you subscribe.
As these are digital products, we advise parents to go through our Free Past Papers provided on our website and once decided they can buy subscriptions.
The majority of the 11 Plus Maths questions are mathematical problem-solving, where pupils need to understand and apply mathematical concepts. With regular practice of 11+ Maths Topic-wise questions, you will pass the 11-plus Maths Exam with a high score.
The children must master the following topics for the 11 plus exams
Get 10,000+ Topic-wise questions by subscribing to our 11+ Maths Topic-wise questions. These questions are collected from 180+ Maths past papers.
11 Plus Maths Past Papers Subscription
Any PiAcademy Memberships are for 1 year (366 days), We give Instant unlock to all exam Resources So that you can plan your 11+ Preparation according to your convenience and as per our Planner Spreadsheets.
Hurry! 11+ Exams are approaching in 6 months. High competition. Most parents fail to do structured planning for the 11+ Exam preparation.
Get a plan and strategy from 11+ Expert Tutors. Avoid the common mistakes that other parents make.
© 2014 - 2025 PiAcademy Limited, All Rights Reserved