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MathAnvil

Simplify Expression

Combine like terms and distribute single-variable polynomial expressions — e.g. 2x + 3x − 5 + 2 or 3(x + 2) − 4.

Expression
x ∈ ℝ

Examples: 2x + 3x − 5, 3(x + 2) − 4, x − (2x + 1)

Enter an expression and press Simplify.

About this calculator

This simplifier handles basic polynomial expressions with one variable (x): like-term combining and single-coefficient distribution. For factoring, multi-variable or quadratic expressions, use a CAS tool.

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How simplification works

Simplifying a polynomial expression means rewriting it in the shortest equivalent form. Two steps: distribute any multiplication across parentheses (the distributive property a(b + c) = ab + ac), then combine all like terms — terms with the same variable-power group are added together. Constants combine with constants; x-terms combine with x-terms.