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Simplify - GCSE Maths Definition

Reviewed by: Dan Finlay

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In GCSE Mathematics, to "simplify" means to make a mathematical expression, fraction or equation easier to work with by reducing the numbers involved in it, but without changing its value. For example,

  • the expression 2x + 3y - x + 4y would simplify to x + 7y (this is also called collecting like terms)

  • the fraction 8 over 12 would simplify to 2 over 3 (by dividing both the numerator and denominator by 4)

  • the equation 5 x squared minus 10 x plus 35 equals 0 would simplify to x squared minus 2 x plus 7 equals 0 (by dividing (both sides of) the equation by 5)

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Dan Finlay

Reviewer: Dan Finlay

Expertise: Maths Subject Lead

Dan graduated from the University of Oxford with a First class degree in mathematics. As well as teaching maths for over 8 years, Dan has marked a range of exams for Edexcel, tutored students and taught A Level Accounting. Dan has a keen interest in statistics and probability and their real-life applications.

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