Simplify Calculator
Type any algebraic expression and this calculator reduces it to its simplest equivalent form, step by step.
Use * for multiply and ^ for powers, e.g. 2*x^2 for 2x².
What does simplifying mean?
Simplifying an expression means writing it in the shortest form that still means exactly the same thing. For any value of x, 3(x + 2) − x and 2x + 6 give the same answer, but the second is quicker to read, check and use in the next step of a problem.
The main moves are collecting like terms (terms with the same letters and powers, such as 4x and −x, or 2x² and 5x²), expanding brackets, and cancelling factors that appear on the top and bottom of a fraction. Terms that are not alike stay separate: x² + x cannot become 2x³ or anything shorter.
A common mistake is cancelling across a plus sign. In (x + 6) ÷ 6 you cannot cancel the 6s, because 6 is not a factor of the whole top. Factor first, then cancel only what multiplies everything.
How to simplify an expression by hand
- Expand any brackets by multiplying every term inside by what's outside.
- Combine like terms: add up the coefficients of matching variables (3x and 2x become 5x).
- Cancel common factors in a fraction, top and bottom.
Worked example
Simplify 3(x + 2) − x: expand to get 3x + 6 − x, then combine the x terms (3x − x = 2x) to get 2x + 6.
Practise the algebra behind this with every formula solved for you in the صيغ الرياضيات calculator.
الأسئلة الشائعة
What does it mean to simplify an expression?
Simplifying means rewriting an expression in its shortest equivalent form: combining like terms, cancelling common factors, and reducing fractions.
How do you simplify an expression with brackets?
Multiply out the brackets first (distribute), then combine any like terms. 3(x + 2) − x expands to 3x + 6 − x, which simplifies to 2x + 6.
Can this simplify fractions with variables?
Yes — type a fraction like (x^2-1)/(x-1) and it will cancel common factors, giving x + 1.
What symbols does the calculator use?
Use * for multiplication and ^ for powers, e.g. 2*x^2 for 2x². Implied multiplication like 2x also works.
