Last reviewed: 7 November 2026
Updated November 2026. These Grade 7 algebraic expressions notes show how to turn everyday statements into algebra and how to simplify by collecting like terms. If a pen costs x shillings, 5 pens cost 5x shillings. To simplify 3a + 2b + 4a, add the like terms 3a and 4a to get 7a + 2b.
The examples and questions are original practice for Kenyan junior school learners. For the other Grade 7 maths topics, see our Grade 7 mathematics revision guide.
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What the Grade 7 Curriculum Covers
Algebraic expressions is the first sub-strand under Algebra in the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development’s Grade 7 Mathematics design. Learners form algebraic expressions from real-life situations and simple statements, and simplify them. The design is listed on the KICD Grade Seven curriculum designs page.
Letters Stand for Numbers
In algebra, a letter such as x, y or n stands for a number we do not know yet or a number that can change. A term is a number, a letter, or numbers and letters multiplied together, such as 4, y or 3m. An expression is one or more terms joined by + or −, such as 3m + 4.
Writing rules: put the number in front (3m, not m3), leave out the multiplication sign (3 × m = 3m), and write 1m simply as m. A division such as m ÷ 4 is written as m/4.
Forming Expressions From Statements
| Statement | Expression |
|---|---|
| A number increased by 7 | n + 7 |
| 5 less than a number | n − 5 |
| Three times a number | 3n |
| A number shared equally among 4 people | n/4 |
| Twice a number, plus 9 | 2n + 9 |
Watch the order in “5 less than a number”: the 5 is taken away from the number, so it is n − 5, not 5 − n.
Real-life example. Wanjiru buys x exercise books at KSh 60 each and a pen at KSh 25. Her total cost is 60x + 25 shillings.
Like and Unlike Terms
Like terms have the same letter part: 2a and 9a are like terms. 2a and 2b are unlike terms. You can only add or subtract like terms, just as you can add mangoes to mangoes but not mangoes to oranges.
Simplifying Expressions
- Group the like terms together, keeping each sign with the term after it.
- Add or subtract the numbers in front of each group.
- Write the answer, usually with letters in alphabetical order.
Example. Simplify 5x + 3y − 2x + y.
Group: 5x − 2x + 3y + y. Collect: 3x + 4y.
Example. Simplify 8p − 3 + 2p + 10.
Group: 8p + 2p − 3 + 10. Collect: 10p + 7.
Original Practice Questions With Worked Answers
- Write an expression for “a number multiplied by 6, then 4 subtracted”.
Answer: 6n − 4. - A matatu carries a passengers in the morning and b passengers in the evening each paying KSh 50. Write the day’s fare total.
Answer: 50a + 50b shillings. - Simplify 7m + 2n − 3m + 5n.
Answer: 4m + 7n. - Simplify 4k + 9 − k − 2.
Answer: 3k + 7. - A rectangle is l cm long and w cm wide. Write an expression for its perimeter and simplify it.
Answer: l + w + l + w = 2l + 2w cm.
Next year this work moves on to factorising and substitution, covered in our Grade 8 algebraic expressions notes. For daily practice, a Day Pass (KSh 20) or Monthly Pass (KSh 500) opens the full question bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an algebraic expression?
It is a combination of numbers and letters joined by operations such as + and −, for example 3m + 4. It has no equals sign.
What are like terms?
Like terms have exactly the same letter part, such as 2a and 9a. Only like terms can be added or subtracted.
Can I add 3x and 4y?
No. They are unlike terms, so 3x + 4y is already in its simplest form.
How do I write “5 less than a number” in algebra?
Write n − 5. The 5 is taken away from the number, so it comes after the minus sign.
Ten-minute check: try the free Grade 7 CBC Challenge. It has 10 questions, each marked on the spot with the working, and it shows which topics to practise next.