Combining Like Terms Worksheet | Grade 8 Math Printable

This focused algebra worksheet helps eighth-grade students master the essential skill of simplifying complex algebraic expressions. By multiplying binomials and combining like terms, learners will develop the foundational fluency required for advanced algebra. The structured layout provides ample workspace for students to show their step-by-step mathematical reasoning.

At a Glance

• Grade: 8 · Subject: Math
• Standard: CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.7.EE.A.1 — Expand expressions and combine like terms
• Skill Focus: Simplifying algebraic expressions
• Format: 2 pages · 4 problems · Answer key included · PDF
• Best For: Independent practice and review
• Time: 15–20 minutes

This resource features two pages of rigorous algebraic practice. The first page contains three multi-step problems where students must distribute, multiply binomials, and combine like terms to find the simplest form of each expression. The second page introduces an evaluation task, requiring students to first simplify a complex expression and then calculate its exact value by substituting a given variable. A complete answer key is provided to ensure accurate grading and immediate feedback.

• Guided practice: Teachers can use the first problem as a whole-class model to demonstrate the distribution method and identify like terms.
• Supported practice: The remaining problems on page one allow students to work in pairs, reinforcing the steps of distribution and simplification.
• Independent practice: The final evaluation problem on page two serves as an independent check for understanding, requiring students to apply both simplification and substitution skills.

This gradual-release approach ensures students build confidence as they transition from guided instruction to independent problem-solving.

This worksheet is aligned to primary standard CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.7.EE.A.1: Apply properties of operations as strategies to add, subtract, factor, and expand linear expressions with rational coefficients. It also supports foundational skills for high school algebra by introducing polynomial multiplication. Both standard codes can be copied directly into lesson plans, IEP goals, or district curriculum mapping tools.

Integrate this worksheet during the core instructional block after introducing the distributive property and binomial multiplication. It serves as an excellent independent practice assignment or homework task. As a formative assessment tip, observe whether students are correctly managing negative signs when distributing and combining terms, as this is a common point of error. The entire activity should take students approximately 15 to 20 minutes to complete.

This resource is designed for seventh and eighth-grade math students developing their pre-algebra and algebra skills. It is particularly beneficial for learners who need structured, uncluttered workspace to organize multi-step calculations. For differentiation, teachers can provide highlighters to help visual learners color-code like terms before combining them. Pair this worksheet with an anchor chart detailing the rules of integer operations and the distributive property for maximum impact.

Mastering algebraic manipulation is a critical stepping stone for higher-level mathematics. According to EdReports 2024, instructional materials that provide focused, rigorous practice on core algebraic concepts significantly improve long-term student retention and procedural fluency. This worksheet directly targets CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.7.EE.A.1, helping students expand expressions and combine like terms with accuracy. By requiring learners to explicitly write out their steps, educators can better identify misconceptions related to integer operations and the distributive property. Consistent practice with these foundational skills reduces cognitive load when students eventually transition to solving complex multi-step equations and graphing linear functions. Providing targeted, standards-aligned practice ensures that middle school students build the mathematical resilience necessary for success in high school algebra, standardized testing, and advanced STEM coursework.