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Algebraic Expression - GCSE Maths Definition

Reviewed by: Dan Finlay

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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 plus y minus 3 z). Here are some examples of algebraic expressions:

  • 2 x

  • x squared plus y squared

  • square root of x plus 1 end root

  • 2 over x

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

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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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