Simplifying · Just Numbers · A1

What is an expression?

An expression is numbers joined by operations. Unlike an equation, it has no equals sign — it just has a value, and "simplifying" means working that value out.

01 / THE IDEA

See it simplify.

One step at a time

Do the strongest operation first.

0 / 2
8 - 3 + 5
— / WHY IT WORKS

The idea underneath.

Expression vs equation

An expression (8 − 3 + 5) has no equals sign and represents a single value. An equation (8 − 3 = 5) makes a claim. We simplify expressions.

Why it works

Think of an expression as a recipe; the value is the dish.

03 / WORKED EXAMPLES

From easy to tricky.

EX 1easy

6 - 3 + 4

1

Step

6 - 3 = 3

2

Step

3 + 4 = 7

EX 2medium

13 - 6 + 7

1

Step

13 - 6 = 7

2

Step

7 + 7 = 14

EX 3hard

4 - 9 + 7

1

Step

4 - 9 = -5

2

Step

-5 + 7 = 2

04 / COMMON TRAPS

Where students slip.

Trap

An expression must have an = sign.

Fix

No — that would be an equation. An expression is just the value-recipe.

Trap

Working right to left.

Fix

Plain + and − are done left to right.

05 / QUIZ

Test yourself.

The Test

12 problems across three tiers. Auto-graded on submit. Hints and a full walkthrough on every question. Your work is saved on this device — sign in to keep it across devices.

0/12Answered
How to answerType just the value. Formatting won't trip you up — we ignore spaces, capital letters, commas, and subscript style, so t₁ = 5, d = 3 and t1=5,d=3 both count. For a list of numbers, separate them with commas (e.g. 3, 10, 17).
Core

Core (4)

C1

6 - 3 + 4

Need a hint?
  • Work left to right for + and −.
  • Keep a running total.
C2

8 - 4 + 2

Need a hint?
  • Work left to right for + and −.
  • Keep a running total.
C3

6 - 6 + 6

Need a hint?
  • Work left to right for + and −.
  • Keep a running total.
C4

7 - 2 + 6

Need a hint?
  • Work left to right for + and −.
  • Keep a running total.
Apply

Apply (4)

A1

13 - 6 + 7

Need a hint?
  • Work left to right for + and −.
  • Keep a running total.
A2

13 - 7 + 7

Need a hint?
  • Work left to right for + and −.
  • Keep a running total.
A3

6 - 7 + 6

Need a hint?
  • Work left to right for + and −.
  • Keep a running total.
A4

5 - 6 + 9

Need a hint?
  • Work left to right for + and −.
  • Keep a running total.
Extension

Extension (4)

E1

4 - 9 + 7

Need a hint?
  • Work left to right for + and −.
  • Keep a running total.
E2

14 - 10 + 10

Need a hint?
  • Work left to right for + and −.
  • Keep a running total.
E3

15 - 10 + 7

Need a hint?
  • Work left to right for + and −.
  • Keep a running total.
E4

15 - 4 + 6

Need a hint?
  • Work left to right for + and −.
  • Keep a running total.