14 questions
6th - 6th Grade
Mathematics
Combining Like Terms Practice is a Grade 6 mathematics worksheet that develops students’ ability to recognize like and unlike terms and simplify algebraic expressions. Students evaluate True-or-False statements, explain whether terms share the same variable, identify groups of like terms in a multiple-select item, and combine terms with coefficients, constants, and subtraction. The 14 questions include 13 multiple-choice items and 1 multiple-select item, giving students practice with both concept recognition and calculation. This free printable worksheet with an answer key supports guided practice, independent work, or a quick check of understanding after introducing combining like terms. Its progression from identifying compatible terms to simplifying expressions such as those containing multiple variables helps teachers see whether students understand which terms can be combined and whether they maintain the correct variable parts and signs. Use the results to address errors before students move to more complex algebraic expressions.
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WorksheetsAnswer KeyTrue
False
True
False
True
False
True
They have different variables
They have the same variable
12w and 9w
, d)28 and -12
26x
x + 7
8y + 7m
13 + 23z
This Grade 6 worksheet focuses on identifying like and unlike terms and simplifying algebraic expressions by combining terms with matching variable parts. Its 14 items use True-or-False questions, multiple-choice explanations, one multiple-select grouping task, and simplification problems with variables and constants. Completing the set helps students distinguish which terms can be combined and calculate the resulting coefficients and constants.
Begin by modeling how to sort the terms in an expression into groups with the same variable and separate constants. Use the worksheet’s early True-or-False and explanation items to discuss why terms such as 8z and 12z belong together while terms with different variables do not, then have students apply that reasoning to the multiple-select grouping item. Finish with the simplification questions and ask students to explain which groups they combined and why.
Watch for students combining coefficients while ignoring different variables, or treating a variable term and a constant as like terms. Students may also select the wrong pairs in the multiple-select expression, lose a subtraction sign, or combine terms across different variables instead of simplifying each group separately. In the final items, check that they preserve unmatched terms, such as the constant in an expression containing x.
The worksheet is available as a printable PDF and as a digital quiz on Wayground, with a complete answer key for all 14 items. Assign the digital quiz for online responses, or print the worksheet for written practice and grade student work by scanning it with the Wayground for Teachers app. The printable option can also support schools that are reducing screen time.
In the worksheet’s Advanced Settings, adjust font spacing and font size to make the algebraic expressions and answer choices easier to read. You can also apply a dyslexia-friendly font or translate the worksheet into another language, while keeping the True-or-False, multiple-select, and simplification formats intact.
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