Algebra worksheets introduce the language of variables, expressions and equations. These free printable algebra worksheets cover evaluating expressions, combining like terms, the distributive property and factoring out the GCF, and this page links to the equation worksheets for the next step. Every PDF has an answer key, and the maker below creates new problems in seconds.
Quick answer: Algebra uses letters called variables to stand for numbers. To simplify an expression, combine like terms and use the distributive property; to evaluate it, substitute a value for the variable and follow the order of operations. This page has 7 free algebra worksheets (PDF) with answer keys for grades 6 to 8, plus a maker and links to equations. Updated October 2026.
Ready-to-print samples
A few of the ready PDFs on this page. The full list is under Ready-to-print worksheets, and the maker above makes new problems on demand.
Evaluate an expressionLevel 1 with a full answer key.PDFCombine like termsLevel 2 with a full answer key.PDFDistributeLevel 3 with a full answer key.PDFFactor out the GCFLevel 5 with a full answer key.PDF
What is algebra?
Algebra extends arithmetic by using letters for unknown or changing numbers. An expression like 3x + 5 describes a rule, and an equation like 3x + 5 = 20 asks which value of x makes it true. Working with expressions comes first, so these worksheets focus on evaluating, simplifying and factoring before moving to equations.
Evaluating expressions worksheet: worked examples
To evaluate an expression, replace the variable with its value and follow the order of operations:
Expression
Value of x
Substitute
Result
3x + 5
4
3(4) + 5
17
2x2 − 1
3
2(9) − 1
17
(x + 6) ÷ 2
10
(10 + 6) ÷ 2
8
5x − 2x
7
5(7) − 2(7)
21
x2 + 3x
-2
(-2)2 + 3(-2)
-2
Combining like terms worksheet
Like terms have the same variable part, so only the coefficients are added or subtracted:
Expression
Like terms
Simplified
4x + 3x
4x and 3x
7x
5a + 2 + 3a − 7
5a, 3a and 2, -7
8a − 5
6y − y + 4
6y and -y
5y + 4
2x + 3y + 5x − y
2x, 5x and 3y, -y
7x + 2y
9m − 4 − 9m
9m and -9m
-4
Distributive property worksheet
The distributive property says a(b + c) = ab + ac. Multiply the outside number by every term inside, then combine like terms:
Expression
Distribute
Simplify
3(x + 4)
3x + 12
3x + 12
5(2x − 3)
10x − 15
10x − 15
-2(x + 7)
-2x − 14
-2x − 14
4(x + 1) + 3x
4x + 4 + 3x
7x + 4
2(3x − 5) − 4
6x − 10 − 4
6x − 14
Factoring out the GCF
Factoring reverses distributing. Find the greatest common factor of the terms and write it outside parentheses. The GCF and LCM worksheets page covers how to find the GCF:
Expression
GCF of the terms
Factored form
6x + 12
6
6(x + 2)
10x − 15
5
5(2x − 3)
8a + 20
4
4(2a + 5)
9y − 27
9
9(y − 3)
14m + 21
7
7(2m + 3)
Try ten algebra problems
Use these as a warm-up. Check your simplified expressions by substituting a value for the variable.
#
Problem
Answer
1
Evaluate 4x + 3 when x = 5
23
2
Evaluate x2 − 4 when x = 6
32
3
Simplify 7a + 2a − 3
9a − 3
4
Simplify 5x + 4 − 2x + 1
3x + 5
5
Distribute 6(x − 2)
6x − 12
6
Distribute -3(2x + 5)
-6x − 15
7
Simplify 2(x + 3) + 4x
6x + 6
8
Factor 12x + 18
6(2x + 3)
9
Evaluate 3(x + 2) when x = 4
18
10
Simplify 8y − 3y + y
6y
Worksheets algebra: simplifying expressions worksheet and algebra practice
Searches for worksheets algebra usually mean practice with expressions first. A simplifying expressions worksheet asks students to combine like terms and distribute so that an expression has as few terms as possible. For example, 2(x + 3) + 4x simplifies to 6x + 6. Each simplifying expressions worksheet here has an answer key so that students can check each step.
Regular algebra practice matters more than long sessions. Ten minutes a day on evaluating, simplifying and distributing builds fluency, and the algebra worksheets can be repeated with new numbers every week.
How to use these algebra worksheets
Use the algebra worksheets in order. Start with evaluating expressions so that students are comfortable substituting, then move to like terms, distributing and factoring. Every one of the algebra worksheets has an answer key on the last page, so students can check their own work, and extra practice is a good source of quick retests.
When expressions feel easy, move on to the equation worksheets linked below. Print a algebra worksheet for homework and review it together the next day. Students who need more algebra worksheets can generate a new set in the maker, and algebra worksheets with fresh numbers make a reliable weekly check.
Algebra worksheets by topic
Algebra covers many skills. Pick the topic you need:
Write, read and evaluate expressions in which letters stand for numbers
Grade 6
6.EE.A.3
Apply the properties of operations to generate equivalent expressions
Grade 7
7.EE.A.1
Add, subtract, factor and expand linear expressions with rational coefficients
Common mistakes in algebra
Mistake
Example
Fix
Adding unlike terms
3x + 4 = 7x
x and a number are not like terms: leave it as 3x + 4
Sign error when distributing
-2(x − 3) = -2x − 6
-2x + 6
Treating x2 as 2x
x2 = 2x
x2 = x × x
Distributing to the first term only
3(x + 5) = 3x + 5
3x + 15
Not following the order of operations when evaluating
2 + 3x with x = 4 gives 20
Multiply first: 2 + 12 = 14
Real-life uses of algebra
Expressions describe real rules:
Situation
Expression
Value
Taxi: $3 plus $2 per mile for 7 miles
3 + 2x with x = 7
$17
Perimeter of a square with side s = 9
4s
36
Cost of 5 notebooks at $2.50 plus a $4 bag
2.5n + 4 with n = 5
$16.50
Area of a rectangle with width 6 and length x + 3
6(x + 3)
6x + 18
Total of three equal payments p and a $10 fee
3p + 10
Depends on p
Which algebra worksheet should you start with?
Start with evaluating expressions, then like terms and distributing. Set B gives a retest for levels 1 and 2.
Level
Skill
Best for
Level 1
Evaluate an expression
Grade 6
Level 2
Combine like terms
Grade 7
Level 3
Distribute
Grade 7
Level 4
Distribute and combine
Grades 7 and 8
Level 5
Factor out the GCF
Grades 7 and 8
A weekly plan for algebra
Day
Focus
Suggested block
Monday
Evaluate expressions
15 min
Tuesday
Combine like terms
15 min
Wednesday
Distributive property
15 min
Thursday
Factoring and mixed review
15 min
Weekly total
Four short sessions
60 min
Frequently asked questions
5 quick answers
Where can I download free algebra worksheets?
Open any worksheet in the Ready-to-print list on this page, choose US Letter or A4, then print or save the PDF. They are free, with answer keys, and no account is needed.
What is a variable?
A variable is a letter, such as x, that stands for a number that can change or is not yet known.
How do you simplify an algebraic expression?
Distribute any numbers outside parentheses, then combine like terms. For 2(x + 3) + 4x, the result is 6x + 6.
What are like terms?
Like terms have the same variable raised to the same power, such as 3x and 5x. They can be added or subtracted.
What grade starts algebra?
Expressions begin in grade 6, linear equations in grades 7 and 8, and Algebra 1 usually starts in grade 8 or 9.
