Terms with the same variable part, like 3x and 2x. You can add or subtract them by combining their number parts: 3x + 2x = 5x.

Are expanding and factoring on the same sheet?

Yes. Each print mixes simplify, expand, and factor problems, so your child learns the distributive property in both directions.

6th grade combining like terms

6th grade combining like terms worksheets

Combining like terms is your child's first taste of simplifying algebra: 3x + 2x + 4x collapses to 9x because the terms share a variable. These sheets mix three moves: combining like terms, expanding 3(x + 4), and factoring 3x + 12.

Free printable PDF worksheet, aligned to Common Core 6.EE.A.3, 6.EE.A.4.

Each print is a different sheet with its own answer key. You don't need to sign up.

The kind of problems you'll get

Combine or expand as shown. For factoring, take out the greatest positive integer common factor.

Combine. x + 2 × x
Answer: 3 × x
Combine. 5 × x − 8 × x
Answer: -3 × x
Combine. 4 × x + 1 + 9 × x
Answer: 13 × x + 1

Every print pulls a fresh set of problems at this level, so a make-up test or a second sibling never gets the same sheet.

What's on a 6th grade sheet

Combining like terms. Combine or expand as shown. For factoring, take out the greatest positive integer common factor. 10 problems per page.

Every version prints on US Letter or A4, with its answer key after the problems.

How to teach this

Say the terms out loud with a unit word: 3 x's plus 2 x's is 5 x's, the same way 3 apples plus 2 apples is 5 apples. For expanding, draw arrows from the outside number to each term inside the parentheses. Factoring is expanding run backward. Ask what number divides both terms.

Watch for: 3x + 2x turns into 5x² for many kids. Adding like terms only adds the number parts, so it's 5x. Kids expand 3(x + 4) as 3x + 4. The 3 multiplies both terms inside, so it's 3x + 12.

Common questions about 6th grade combining like terms

What is a like term?: Terms with the same variable part, like 3x and 2x. You can add or subtract them by combining their number parts: 3x + 2x = 5x.
Are expanding and factoring on the same sheet?: Yes. Each print mixes simplify, expand, and factor problems, so your child learns the distributive property in both directions.

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Aligned to Common Core 6.EE.A.3, 6.EE.A.4. Reviewed by the One more sheet team. Content version 241, updated September 2026.

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