Simplification Calculator
Simplification calculator works out Simplified and Expanded (standard form) from Expression, Variable and Evaluate at (optional). The default figures on this page give simplified of 5x - 4; change any entry and the result, the working and the sources update together.
Your figures
Updates as you typeHow this is worked out
3 steps
- Collecting like terms: 2x + 3x - 4 = 5x - 4
- Exact rational roots 4/5 come from the rational-root theorem, and each gives a linear factor.
- Factored: 5(x - 4/5)
Its 5 worked examples are re-run on every release, last on 15 September 2026. What changed
What the simplification calculator calculates
Simplifies an algebraic expression: collects like terms into standard form, expands products, factors a polynomial into linear factors, and cancels a quotient of polynomials while stating the values the cancellation excludes.
How to use this simplification calculator
Enter Expression, Variable and Evaluate at (optional). Simplified updates as you type, and “Use a worked example” loads checked figures you can adjust. Change one figure at a time to see what drives the result.
How the result is worked out
Open “How this is worked out” beside the result for the step-by-step calculation behind Simplified, Expanded (standard form) and Factored.
The method follows OpenStax, Elementary Algebra 2e, chapters 1 and 6: simplifying expressions, the distributive property and factoring polynomials and OpenStax, College Algebra 2e, section 5.5: the rational zero theorem and the factor theorem.
Collect like terms: 2x + 3x - 4 example
With Expression: 2x + 3x - 4, Variable: x, the calculator returns Simplified: 5x - 4, Degree: 1, Leading coefficient: 5. This example is checked against an independent source in the test suite.
What you can compare
Change one input at a time to see how it affects Simplified, Expanded (standard form) and Factored. The inputs you can vary are Expression, Variable and Evaluate at (optional).
Results are general information, not financial, tax, legal, medical or engineering advice. Check any decision that matters with a qualified professional.
See something wrong? Report a problem with this calculator
Frequently asked questions
Is there a calculator for simplification?
Simplifies an algebraic expression: collects like terms into standard form, expands products, factors a polynomial into linear factors. Put your own figures in above and the working updates beside the result. For scale, the default figures on this page give 5x - 4.
How to calculate simplification?
Simplifies an algebraic expression: collects like terms into standard form, expands products, factors a polynomial into linear factors. Open “How this is worked out” beside the result to see each step for your own figures.
How to use a simplification calculator?
It needs Expression, Variable and Evaluate at (optional). Nothing else is required, and the figures stay in your browser.
What information do I need for the simplification calculator?
You need Expression, Variable and Evaluate at (optional). The page opens with default figures that give simplified of 5x - 4, so you can see the scale before entering your own.
What does this simplification calculator show?
It shows Simplified, Expanded (standard form), Factored, Degree, Leading coefficient, Value at the given point, Values excluded from the domain and What was done, with the working and any warnings for your entries.
Can I check how the simplification calculator result was calculated?
Yes. The “How this is worked out” section shows the calculation steps, and the sources section identifies the references used for the method.