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Algebraic Expression - GCSE Maths Definition

Reviewed by: Dan Finlay

Last updated

5 March 2025

What is an algebraic expression?

In GCSE maths, an algebraic expression is a combination of numbers, variables and mathematical operations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and powers. An algebraic expression can consist of a single term (such as $2 x$ ) or multiple terms (such as $2 x + y - 3 z$ ). Here are some examples of algebraic expressions:

$2 x$
$x^{2} + y^{2}$
$\sqrt{x + 1}$
$\frac{2}{x}$

Algebraic expressions can be simplified by collecting like terms. For example, $2 x + 3 x + x$ can be simplified to 6x. Expressions do not contain an equals sign. For example, $2 x + 1 = 5 x - 2$ is an equation, not an expression. However, each side of the equation contains an algebraic expression, $2 x + 1$ on the left and $5 x - 2$ on the right.

Algebraic expressions revision resources to ace your exams

You can find out more about algebraic expressions, and other algebra keywords, by reading our revision notes. To test your knowledge, try our exam questions for the algebra toolkit.

For quick-fire GCSE maths revision use our collection of interactive flashcards for GCSE maths. We also have past papers for your exam practice.

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