Algebraic Expression Simplifier
FreeSimplify an algebraic expression by combining like terms, with a step-by-step breakdown.
Runs entirely in your browser. Combines like terms (addition and subtraction); it does not expand parentheses or solve equations.
Use + and - between terms, ^ for exponents (e.g. x^2), and any letter as a variable (e.g. 3xy).
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What this tool does
This tool simplifies an algebraic expression by combining like terms, right in your browser. Type an expression using numbers, letters as variables, +, -, and ^ for exponents, and the simplified result updates live, along with a breakdown of exactly which terms were combined.
Problems it solves
- Checking your own work when simplifying an algebra homework problem by hand.
- Cleaning up a messy expression with repeated or scattered like terms into standard form.
- Seeing exactly how a set of like terms combine, not just the final simplified answer.
- Quickly checking whether two differently-written expressions are actually equivalent after simplifying.
Frequently asked questions
›What operations does this simplifier support?
It combines like terms across addition and subtraction, including terms with exponents (x^2) and multiple variables multiplied together (xy, x^2y^3). It does not expand parentheses, multiply two variable terms together, or solve equations, those require a full computer algebra system beyond what a client-side calculator can reliably guarantee.
›Why does "3x^2 - x^2" simplify to "2x^2"?
A term with no visible number in front, like "x^2", has an implicit coefficient of 1, not 0. So the subtraction is really "3x^2 minus 1x^2", which leaves 2x^2, not 3x^2.
›What does the "Like Terms Grouped" section show?
For every group of two or more matching terms in your expression, it shows exactly which original terms were added together and what they combine into, so you can follow the simplification step instead of only seeing the final answer.
›How are terms ordered in the result?
Terms are ordered from highest total degree (the sum of all exponents in a term) to lowest, with the constant term always last, the same convention used when writing a polynomial in standard form. Terms of equal degree are ordered alphabetically by variable.
›What happens if all the terms cancel out?
The result shows "0". This is a valid and common outcome, for example "x - x" or "5 - 5" both simplify to zero.
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