Algebra Simplifier: Simplify Expression Calculator

This algebra simplifier rewrites an expression in its simplest form: it expands brackets, collects like terms, applies the laws of exponents and simplifies radical expressions — and shows every step. It simplifies only; to solve an equation, use the equation solver.

Tip: use the math keyboard for symbols like √, x² and fractions. You can also attach a photo, screenshot or PDF of the problem (up to 4 files).

Try an example:
Explanation

Math keyboard

Keys go in at the cursor. Select part of your problem first to wrap it — for example, select x + 1 and press √.

How to use the expression simplifier

  1. Type the expression — no equals sign needed. Use ^ for powers and √ or sqrt() for roots.
  2. Press Solve. Sumzo expands, collects like terms and applies exponent and radical rules one at a time.
  3. Read the simplest form first, then each step and the rule it used.

Worked examples

Easy: like terms

  1. Simplify 3(x+4)−2x3(x + 4) - 2x.
  2. Expand: 3x+12−2x3x + 12 - 2x.
  3. Collect like terms: x+12x + 12.

Medium: exponents

  1. Simplify (2x3)2⋅x−4(2x^3)^2 \cdot x^{-4}.
  2. Power of a product: (2x3)2=4x6(2x^3)^2 = 4x^6.
  3. Multiply powers by adding exponents: 4x6⋅x−4=4x24x^6 \cdot x^{-4} = 4x^2.

Hard: radical expressions

  1. Simplify 50+18\sqrt{50} + \sqrt{18}.
  2. Take out square factors: 50=25⋅2=52\sqrt{50} = \sqrt{25 \cdot 2} = 5\sqrt{2} and 18=9⋅2=32\sqrt{18} = \sqrt{9 \cdot 2} = 3\sqrt{2}.
  3. They are like terms: 52+32=825\sqrt{2} + 3\sqrt{2} = 8\sqrt{2}.

Common simplifying mistakes

  • Combining unlike terms: 3x+2x23x + 2x^2 can’t be simplified further.
  • Multiplying exponents instead of adding: x2⋅x3=x5x^2 \cdot x^3 = x^5, not x6x^6.
  • Adding radicands: 2+3\sqrt{2} + \sqrt{3} is not 5\sqrt{5}.
  • Forgetting to distribute a minus sign: −(x−4)=−x+4-(x - 4) = -x + 4.

Frequently asked questions

What does it mean to simplify an expression?

To rewrite it in an equivalent, shorter form: no brackets left to expand, like terms combined, and exponents and radicals in their simplest form. Its value is the same for every xx.

Does it work with roots and radicals?

Yes — it takes square factors out of roots (72=62\sqrt{72} = 6\sqrt{2}), combines like radicals and can rationalise denominators. For a single square root, the square root calculator also gives the decimal.

Can it simplify exponents?

Yes. It uses the exponent rules — add exponents when multiplying, subtract when dividing, multiply for a power of a power — and rewrites negative exponents when needed.

Is this a simplify calculator with steps?

Yes. Each step names the rule used. Choose Simple, Standard or Advanced for more or less detail, and ask “Why?” about any step.