Instructions: Show each step clearly. Check equation answers by substituting back. Leave all answers in simplest form.

Section A: Simplify Expressions (4 marks)

Simplify each expression:

1. $3x + 5y - 2x + y$ (1)

2. $4a^2 - 3a + 2a^2 + 7a - 1$ (2)

3. $\dfrac{6x^3y^2}{2x^2y}$ (1)

Section B: Expand & Simplify (6 marks)

1. $3(2x - 5)$ (1)

2. $2a(a - 4) + 3a$ (2)

3. $(x + 3)(x - 7)$ (2)

4. $(2y - 1)^2$ (1)

Section C: Factorise Fully (6 marks)

1. $12x^2 - 8x$ (1)

2. $x^2 - 49$ (2)

3. $x^2 + 5x + 6$ (2)

4. $2x^2 - 6x - 8$ (1)

Section D: Solve for $x$ (4 marks)

1. $3x - 7 = 14$ (1)

2. $2(x + 4) = 18$ (1)

3. $\dfrac{3x}{4} + 2 = 8$ (2)

Total: 20 marks