# simplifying and expanding expressions

#### litchris

##### New member
I have a test on simplifying and expanding expressions, could someone help me with this. I dont understand the formula and the way you do it

#### skeeter

##### Well-known member
MHB Math Helper
Do you have specific examples of expressions requiring expansion and/or simplification?

Post a few you have attempted, showing how you tried them yourself ... help us help you.

#### litchris

##### New member
i tried 4x+7x-5x and 4x^2-2xy-3y^2+6xy+3y^2-x^2 totally confused.

#### skeeter

##### Well-known member
MHB Math Helper
you can sum like terms ...

4x, 7x and -5x are all like terms $\implies 4x + 7x - 5x = 11x - 5x = 6x$

for the second, like terms have the same variables to the same power. like terms have the same color in the expression below ...

${\color{red}4x^2} {\color{blue}-2xy} {\color{green}-3y^2}{\color{blue}+6xy}{\color{green}+3y^2}{\color{red}-x^2}$

I assume you know how to sum terms with the same and/or different signs
Why don't you try and combine them ...

have a look at the link, too

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#### litchris

##### New member
Thanks skeeter this helps