Simplify expressions: distribute and combine like terms

Answer Key - Grade 8 Math Worksheet

Circle the best answer, or write your answer on the line.

1. 1.

   Bo takes away a whole bracket in 7x − (3x + 4) + 2. How would Bo write 7x − (3x + 4) + 2 with as few terms as possible?

   4x - 2
2. 2.

   Esme takes away a whole bracket in −2x − (4x − 5) + 6. How would Esme write −2x − (4x − 5) + 6 with as few terms as possible?

   -6x + 11
3. 3.

   Jun takes away a whole bracket in 9x − (5x + 2) − 7. How would Jun write 9x − (5x + 2) − 7 with as few terms as possible?

   4x - 9
4. 4.

   Kira spreads both brackets in 2(x + 3) − 3(x − 1), then joins like terms. How would Kira write it with as few terms as possible?

   -x + 9
5. 5.

   Luz spreads both brackets in 4(x − 2) − 2(x + 1), then joins like terms. How would Luz write it with as few terms as possible?

   2x - 10
6. 6.

   Pia's fraction card says 0.5(4x − 6) + 0.5x. How would Pia write it with as few terms as possible?

   2.5x - 3
7. 7.

   Tala's fraction card says 0.25(8x − 12) + 1.5x + 4. How would Tala write it with as few terms as possible?

   3.5x + 1
8. 8.

   Zee's fraction card says (2/3)(3x − 6) + x. How would Zee write it with as few terms as possible?

   3x - 4
9. 9.

   Bo checks a puzzle card: which expression is equal to 3(x + 4) − (2x − 5)?

   • x + 17
   • x − 1
   • x + 7
   • 5x + 17
10. 10.

    Esme checks a puzzle card: which expression is equal to 5(x − 1) − 3(x − 2)?

    • 2x + 1
    • 2x − 3
    • 8x + 1
    • 2x − 11