Step by step
The question
Question: simplify (2x + 3) + (x − 5).
Simplify means: write it shorter, with the same value.
1 Open the brackets
A bracket with a plus or nothing in front can just be removed.
Now we have 2x + 3 + x − 5.
2 Group like terms
Terms are the parts between the + and − signs.
Like terms are the same kind: same letters, same powers.
All the x terms go together.
Plain numbers go together.
Each colour is one kind.
We move like terms next to each other.
Each term takes its sign with it.
2x + x is 3x.
It is like 2 apples plus 1 apple: that is 3 apples.
3 − 5 is −2.
So the expression is 3x − 2.
3 Check
Let's check.
We pick a number for each letter: x = 2.
We put it into the start.
Now into our answer.
Both give 4.
Same value, so 3x − 2 is right!
Let's look back.
First: open the brackets.
Then: group like terms.
Last: check.