Combining Like Terms Worksheets
Practice combining like terms with 80 fixed problems in four groups and matching answer pages. All five PDFs are free below. The optional $5 pack adds editable Word files for adapting the questions, spacing and instructions; answers must be updated manually after edits.
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5 included items · PDF, DOCX
Combining Like Terms Worksheets
11 files: five PDFs totaling nine pages, five editable Word documents and README. Four groups of 20 questions with separate answer pages, plus a one-page guide. PDFs with the same questions and answers are free; $5 buys the editable Word versions and a convenient ZIP.
- Level 1: one variable (PDF, DOCX)
- Level 2: two variables (PDF, DOCX)
- Level 3: squared terms (PDF, DOCX)
- + 2 more
$5.00 USD, one-time
- Instant download
- 7-day refund
- Secure checkout by Stripe
7-day money-back guarantee. Full refund within 7 days of purchase, even after you download.
Combining Like Terms Worksheets
11 files: five PDFs totaling nine pages, five editable Word documents and README. Four groups of 20 questions with separate answer pages, plus a one-page guide. PDFs with the same questions and answers are free; $5 buys the editable Word versions and a convenient ZIP.
- Level 1: one variable (PDF, DOCX)
- Level 2: two variables (PDF, DOCX)
- Level 3: squared terms (PDF, DOCX)
- Level 4: distribute first (PDF, DOCX)
- Step-by-step guide (PDF, DOCX)
Formats: PDF, DOCX. Instant download after payment (link valid 72 hours, up to 5 downloads). AI-assisted: AI tools were used to help draft these materials.
$5.00 USD, one-time
- Instant download
- 7-day refund
- Secure checkout by Stripe
7-day money-back guarantee. Full refund within 7 days of purchase, even after you download.
Full refund within 7 days — see the refund policy and license.
Free printables
All 80 questions, their answer pages and the one-page guide are available as free PDFs. Buy only if you need the editable Word versions. The answer keys do not recalculate after editing.
Level 1 Combining Like Terms Worksheet
Combining Like Terms Worksheet Level 2
Printable Level 3 Combining Like Terms
Combining Like Terms Worksheets Level 4
Printable Combining Like Terms GuideWhat combining like terms means
Like terms have the same variable raised to the same power: 3 x and −5 x are like terms, 4 y and 7 y are like terms, but 3 x and 3 x² are not, and neither are 2 x and 2 y. Constants such as 7 and −2 are like terms with each other. To simplify an expression, add or subtract the coefficients of like terms and keep the variable part the same: 3 x + 5 − 2 x + 7 becomes (3 − 2)x + (5 + 7) = x + 12.
What is in the pack
- Level 1: one variable — expressions with x terms and constants.
- Level 2: two variables — x, y and constants, with some one-variable review.
- Level 3: squared terms — x², x, y and constants, with some linear review.
- Level 4: distributive property first — expressions such as 4(x + 3) − 2 x + 5.
- Answer keys for every sheet, with simplified answers in standard order.
- Step-by-step guide — a one-page reference with worked examples for students.
- Editable Word versions so teachers can change problems or combine levels.
Step-by-step method
- Identify the terms, including their signs: in 5 x − 3 + 2 x − 8, the terms are +5 x, −3, +2 x and −8.
- Group like terms together: (5 x + 2 x) + (−3 − 8).
- Add the coefficients: 7 x − 11.
- Write the answer with variable terms first in alphabetical order and the constant last.
A helpful habit is to underline, circle or colour-code each type of term before combining, and to treat the sign in front of a term as part of it.
Common mistakes
- Combining unlike terms, such as 3 x + 2 x² = 5 x³.
- Dropping the negative sign: 7 − 3 x + 2 x should be 7 − x, not 7 − 5 x.
- Forgetting that x means 1 x.
- Distributing to only the first term: 3(x + 4) is 3 x + 12, not 3 x + 4.
- Changing the variable part when adding: 4 x + 3 x is 7 x, not 7 x².
Worked examples by level
| Level | Expression | Simplified |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6 x − 4 + 2 x + 9 | 8 x + 5 |
| 2 | 3 x + 2 y − x + 5 y − 4 | 2 x + 7 y − 4 |
| 3 | 4 x² + 3 x − x² + 2 x + 1 | 3 x² + 5 x + 1 |
| 4 | 3(x + 4) − 2 x + 5 | x + 17 |
In level 4, distribute first — 3(x + 4) becomes 3 x + 12 — and then combine: 3 x − 2 x = x and 12 + 5 = 17. Showing each step on the page is the easiest way to catch sign errors.
Formats
Five US Letter PDFs total 9 pages. Word versions contain the same 80 questions and answers in a simpler editable table layout. For A4 choose Fit and check preview. Word edits may reflow pages; answer keys do not update automatically.
Who may find the Word pack useful
Teachers and tutors who need to select individual questions, increase working space or adapt instructions in an existing document. If you only need ready-to-print exercises or new randomized questions, the free PDFs or a free worksheet generator may be sufficient.
Editing example
To replace question 1 in Level 1 with 2 x + 3 x - 4, edit that problem cell in Word and change its answer-key row to 5 x - 4. Recheck both expressions independently and preview the page before printing. The file does not calculate a new answer for you.
Free alternative
Math-Aids offers a free worksheet generator with term-count and number-range choices and an optional answer page. Our paid benefit is editable Word documents of this fixed set, not exclusive access to combining-like-terms practice or better learning results.
Frequently asked questions
Are answer keys included?
Yes, every worksheet has a matching answer key.
Can I edit the problems?
Yes. Microsoft Word 16 text and table editing was tested. Changing a problem does not update the answer key automatically; verify and edit both yourself. Other Office apps are unverified.
How many problems are there?
Each of the four levels has a 20-problem sheet with key, plus a guide with worked examples.
Was AI used to create the worksheets?
The problems were generated by a script and checked; the guide was drafted with AI assistance and reviewed before publishing.