Combining Like Terms Worksheet | Grade 6 Math Printable

This printable combining like terms worksheet helps middle school students master simplifying algebraic expressions. By working through progressively challenging problems, students learn to identify and group identical variables and constants. This foundational math practice builds the essential algebraic reasoning skills needed for solving complex equations in higher-level math courses.

At a Glance

• Grade: 6 · Subject: Math
• Standard: CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.EE.A.3 — Apply properties of operations to generate equivalent expressions.
• Skill Focus: Combining Like Terms
• Format: 3 pages · 18 problems · Answer key included · PDF
• Best For: Independent practice and review
• Time: 20–30 minutes

This comprehensive resource features 18 carefully sequenced problems spread across three pages. The worksheet is divided into four distinct difficulty levels, starting with basic one-variable expressions and advancing to complex multi-variable equations with constants. A complete answer key is provided, allowing for quick grading or self-assessment by students. The clean layout ensures ample workspace for students to show their mathematical thinking.

Skill Progression

• Guided Practice (Level 1): The first four problems focus on one-variable basics, allowing students to practice adding and subtracting coefficients with a single variable type.
• Supported Practice (Levels 2 & 3): Ten problems introduce constants and a second variable. Students must carefully group x-terms, y-terms, and numbers separately.
• Independent Practice (Level 4): The final four problems challenge students with complex expressions requiring them to organize multiple variables and constants simultaneously.

This gradual-release approach ensures students build confidence before tackling advanced algebraic concepts.

Standards Alignment

This resource is directly aligned to CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.EE.A.3: Apply the properties of operations to generate equivalent expressions. It also supports 7th-grade review for CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.7.EE.A.1 by reinforcing the addition and subtraction of linear expressions. Both standard codes can be copied directly into lesson plans, IEP goals, or district curriculum mapping tools.

How to Use It

Deploy this worksheet during independent practice after your direct instruction on algebraic expressions. It serves as an excellent formative assessment tool; observe how students group terms in Level 3 to quickly identify who needs intervention with multi-variable expressions. Alternatively, assign specific levels as targeted homework based on individual student readiness. Most students will complete the full progression in 20 to 30 minutes.

Who It's For

This worksheet is designed for 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade math students developing their pre-algebra skills. The built-in leveling makes it naturally differentiated; struggling learners can focus on Levels 1 and 2, while advanced students can be challenged by Level 4. Pair this activity with anchor charts demonstrating how to circle or underline like terms with different colors for visual learners.

Mastering the ability to simplify expressions is a critical stepping stone in early algebra. According to EdReports 2024, instructional materials that provide focused, progressive practice on foundational skills like combining like terms significantly improve long-term mathematical fluency and student confidence. This resource directly targets CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.EE.A.3, ensuring students can accurately apply properties of operations to generate equivalent expressions. By breaking the skill down into manageable tiers—from single variables to complex, multi-variable equations—educators can effectively prevent cognitive overload and build genuine mathematical mastery. Structured repetition of these core algebraic procedures allows students to internalize the rules of variable manipulation, drastically reducing careless errors in future equation-solving tasks. Utilizing targeted practice sheets with clear visual organization supports diverse learning needs and aligns perfectly with evidence-based approaches to middle school mathematics instruction.