Online Tool Store
Algebra Simplifier
Simplify algebraic expressions by collecting like terms, expanding brackets, and cancelling factors, with each step shown separately.
🔒 This tool runs entirely in your browser. Your files are never uploaded to a server.
Math & Science
Algebra Simplifier
Frontend preview — no upload or external service.
Working
3(x + 2) - 2(x - 4) → 3x + 6 - 2x + 8 → x + 14. Note the sign change on both terms inside the second bracket.
How the Algebra Simplifier works
- Type the expression using * for multiplication and ^ for powers.
- Choose whether you want the answer or the intermediate steps.
- Read the steps rather than the result if you are learning — the sign errors are always in the expansion line.
The method
Expanding a bracket multiplies every term inside by the factor outside, and a negative factor changes the sign of every one of them.
-2(x - 4) = -2x + 8, not -2x - 8
That single sign rule accounts for a large share of algebra errors, which is why the expansion line is shown separately.
FAQ
Why is my answer different by a sign?
Almost certainly a bracket preceded by a minus. Every term inside flips, including the one that was already negative.
Does it handle fractions and powers?
Standard rational expressions and integer powers, yes. Anything involving surds, logs, or trigonometric identities needs a full computer algebra system.
Should students use this?
For checking work and seeing where a step went wrong, yes. Reading the answer without the steps skips the part that is actually being taught.
How we compare
| Feature | Online Tool Store | A graphing calculator | A stats package |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step-by-step working | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Explains sign rules | ✓ | ✗ | Sometimes |
| No account or credits | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Full computer algebra | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
Algebra Simplifier leads with the working, because the expansion line is where nearly every wrong answer originates.