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.

   Ari takes away a whole bracket in 5x − (2x − 3). How would Ari write 5x − (2x − 3) with as few terms as possible?

   3x + 3
2. 2.

   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
3. 3.

   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
4. 4.

   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
5. 5.

   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
6. 6.

   Noah spreads both brackets in 5(x + 4) − 2(3x − 1), then joins like terms. How would Noah write it with as few terms as possible?

   -x + 22
7. 7.

   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
8. 8.

   Ren's fraction card says (1/3)(6x + 9) − x. How would Ren write it with as few terms as possible?

   x + 3
9. 9.

   Ari checks a puzzle card: which expression is equal to 4(x − 2) − 2(x + 1)?

   • 2x − 1
   • 2x − 6
   • 6x − 10
   • 2x − 10
10. 10.

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

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