Algebraic Expressions — Year 7 Practice Questions
9 marks · Suggested time: 20 minutes
Practise writing and simplifying expressions and substituting values with these Year 7 questions.
Questions
Write an expression for 'a number n increased by 7'.
Simplify 3a + 5a.
Simplify 4x + 2y − x + 3y.
Write 3 × a × a using index notation.
If a = 5, work out the value of 2a + 3.
If a = 4 and b = −2, work out 3a + b.
Answers & Worked Solutions
Question 1 Solution
Step 1: 'Increased by 7' means add 7.
Step 2: The expression is n + 7.
Answer: n + 7
Question 2 Solution
Step 1: 3a and 5a are like terms.
Step 2: Add the coefficients: 3 + 5 = 8, giving 8a.
Answer: 8a
Question 3 Solution
Step 1: Collect the x terms: 4x − x = 3x.
Step 2: Collect the y terms: 2y + 3y = 5y, giving 3x + 5y.
Answer: 3x + 5y
Question 4 Solution
Step 1: a × a = a².
Step 2: With the 3 in front, this is 3a².
Answer: 3a²
Question 5 Solution
Step 1: 2a means 2 × 5 = 10.
Step 2: 10 + 3 = 13.
Answer: 13
Question 6 Solution
Step 1: 3a = 3 × 4 = 12.
Step 2: 12 + (−2) = 10.
Answer: 10
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I avoid mistakes when substituting negatives?
Write the negative number in brackets when you substitute it, for example 3 × 4 + (−2), then work it out carefully.
Build strong foundations in Algebraic Expressions
A free trial class with Teacher Rig helps your Year 7 child master Algebraic Expressions now — so IGCSE Maths feels familiar, not frightening, later.
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