NEETClass 11thClass 12thClass 12th PlusJEEClass 11thClass 12thClass 12th PlusClass 6-10Class 6thClass 7thClass 8thClass 9thClass 10thOnline CoursesDistance LearningInternational OlympiadNEETClass 11thClass 12thClass 12th PlusJEE (Main+Advanced)Class 11thClass 12thClass 12th PlusJEE MainClass 11thClass 12thClass 12th PlusClass 6-10Class 6thClass 7thClass 8thClass 9thClass 10thKCET/MHT-CETKCETMHT-CETNEET20262025202420232022JEE20262025202420232022Class 6-1020262025JEE MainPrevious Year PapersSample PapersMock TestResultAnalysisSyllabusExam DatePercentile PredictorAnswer KeyCounsellingEligibilityExam PatternJEE MathsJEE ChemistryJEE PhysicsJEE AdvancedPrevious Year PapersSample PapersMock TestResultAnalysisSyllabusExam DateAnswer KeyEligibilityExam PatternRank PredictorNEETPrevious Year PapersSample PapersMock TestResultAnalysisSyllabusExam DateCollege PredictorAnswer KeyRank PredictorCounsellingEligibilityExam PatternBiologyNCERT SolutionsClass 6Class 7Class 8Class 9Class 10Class 11Class 12TextbooksCBSEClass 12Class 11Class 10Class 9Class 8Class 7Class 6SubjectsSyllabusNotesSample PapersQuestion PapersICSEClass 10Class 9Class 8Class 7Class 6State BoardBiharKarnatakaMadhya PradeshMaharashtraTamilnaduWest BengalUttar PradeshOlympiadMathsScienceEnglishSocial ScienceNSOIMONMTCTALLENTEXASATInstant Online ScholarshipAIOT(NEET)ALLEN for SchoolsAbout ALLENBlogsNewsCareersRequest a call backBook a demo
  • Classroom Courses
  • NEW
  • ALLEN E-Store
CBSE Notes
Class 7
Maths
Chapter 2 Arithmetic Expressions

Frequently Asked Questions

An expression is a group of numbers, variables, and math operations like +,-,/,x , and. For example, 5 + 3, 2 or 2x + 7 is a math phrase.

The BODMAS rule says to do things in this order: brackets, orders (powers), division, multiplication, addition, and subtraction. It makes sure that everyone solves problems the same way so that the answers are right.

Brackets group operations that need to be done first, and they can change the order if necessary. For example, 2 × (3 + 4) = 14, not 10, shows that brackets come first.

In any expression, the brackets (or brackets) are solved first. In order, solve the innermost brackets first: [ { ( ) } ].

If you don't put things in the right order, you get the wrong answers in complicated expressions. 10 ÷ 2 + 3 = 8 (BODMAS), but 2 + 3 × 10 = 32 shows how they are different.

Join ALLEN!

(Session 2026 - 27)


Choose class
Choose your goal
Preferred Mode
Choose State
  • About
    • About us
    • Blog
    • Allen News
    • Privacy policy
    • Public notice
    • Careers
  • Help & Support
    • Refund policy
    • Transfer policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Contact us
  • Popular goals
    • NEET Coaching
    • JEE Coaching
    • 6th to 10th
  • Courses
    • Classroom Courses
    • Online Courses
    • Distance Learning
    • Online Test Series
    • International Olympiads Online Course
    • NEET Test Series
    • JEE Test Series
    • JEE Main Test Series
  • Centers
    • Kota
    • Bangalore
    • Indore
    • Delhi
    • More centres
  • Exam information
    • JEE Main
    • JEE Advanced
    • NEET Exam
    • CBSE Notes
    • NIOS
    • NCERT Solutions
    • NMTC Stage 2 Answer Key 2026
    • NMTC Stage 1 Answer Key 2026
    • NEET Counselling
    • NEET College Predictor
    • JEE Main Syllabus

ALLEN Career Institute Pvt. Ltd. © All Rights Reserved.

ISO

CBSE Notes Class 7 Maths Chapter 2 Arithmetic Expressions

Arithmetic expressions are combinations of numbers and mathematical operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. This chapter helps students understand how to solve these expressions correctly. Students learn about the order of operations, which specifies the correct sequence for evaluating expressions. For example, multiplication and division are done before addition and subtraction.

The chapter explains how to solve expressions step by step and how to avoid common mistakes. Students also learn how to simplify complex expressions by breaking them into smaller parts.

This chapter helps students develop logical thinking and improve their calculation skills. It also prepares them for algebra in higher classes.

1.0Download CBSE Class 7 Maths Chapter 2 Notes: Free PDF

To learn how to simplify expressions using BODMAS rules, download the CBSE Class 7 Maths Notes Chapter 2—Arithmetic Expressions Notes PDF. The notes give examples and explain step-by-step methods to help you understand better. A helpful tool for getting better at maths and getting ready for tests.

Chapter 2 Arithmetic Expressions

2.0An Arithmetic Expression Class 7 Maths Chapter 2 - Revision Notes

An arithmetic expression combines numbers using operations to represent a single value. This chapter covers evaluating, comparing, grouping, and altering terms within expressions using core algebraic properties and bracket rules.

Key Concepts to Remember

  • Arithmetic Expression: A mathematical phrase built using numbers and operational signs (+, −, ×, ÷) that evaluates to a single numerical value.
  • Value of an Expression: The final single number obtained after carrying out all mathematical operations in an expression (e.g., the value of 13 + 2 is 15).
  • Terms in an Expression: Individual numbers or multiplied/divided groups separated by addition (+) signs, where subtraction is treated as adding a negative number.
  • Commutative Property of Addition: The rule stating that changing the order of terms being added does not change the total sum (a+b=b+a).
  • Associative Property of Addition: The rule stating that changing the grouping of terms being added does not change the total sum ((a+b)+c=a+(b+c)).
  • Removing Brackets Preceded by a Plus Sign: When brackets are preceded by a plus sign (+), the brackets can be removed directly without changing any signs inside.
  • Removing Brackets Preceded by a Minus Sign: When brackets are preceded by a minus sign (−), removing the brackets requires changing every sign inside the bracket to its opposite (plus becomes minus, and minus becomes plus).
  • Distributive Property of Multiplication: Multiplying a number by a sum or difference inside brackets is equal to multiplying that number by each term individually and then adding or subtracting the products (a(b+c)=(ab)+(ac)).
  • Tinkering Terms: Changing or adjusting a term in an expression directly affects the total value of the expression depending on the magnitude and sign of the change.
  • Inverse Operations: Addition and subtraction are inverse operations that undo each other, meaning adding a number and then subtracting the same number leaves the value unchanged.

Understanding Arithmetic Expressions & Values

  • Nature of Expressions: An expression represents a specific quantity or value. For example, 15+9 evaluates to 24.
  • Context & Structure: When an expression lacks clear order, brackets are used to clarify which operations must be solved first (e.g., 25+(63)=25+18=43).

Terms in an Expression & Subtraction as Addition of Negatives

  • Identifying Terms: Terms are parts of an expression separated by addition signs.
  • Handling Subtraction: Subtraction is written as the addition of a negative number. For example, 30-10+5 is written as 30+(-10)+5, making the terms 30, -10, and 5.
  • Multiplication Groups as Single Terms: Two numbers multiplied together form a single term because they are not separated by a + sign (e.g., in 7+48, the terms are 7 and 48).

Commutative, Associative & Distributive Properties

  • Swapping Order (Commutative): Changing the order of terms in addition or multiplication does not change the result (e.g., 13+2=2+13=15).
  • Grouping Terms (Associative): Grouping numbers differently in addition or multiplication yields the same total (e.g., [(-3)+(-4)]+7=-3+[(-4)+7]=0).
  • Multiplying Across Brackets (Distributive): Multiplying a sum by a number is equal to multiplying each part separately: 3(15+10)=(315)+(310)=45+30=75.

Class 7 maths commutative and associative properties

Bracket Removal Rules & Changing Signs

  • Preceded by Plus Sign (+): Removing brackets keeps all internal signs unchanged: 42+(38-12)=42+38-12=68.
  • Preceded by Minus Sign (-): Removing brackets flips every internal sign to its opposite: 200-(40+3)=200-40-3=157 and 20-(5-9)=20-5+9=24.

Rules for removing brackets in maths

Comparing Expressions & Tinkering with Terms

  • Comparing Without Full Calculation: Analyze terms directly instead of finding full totals. For example, 415-122 and -122+415 have identical terms (+415 and -122), making them equal.
  • The 4 Rules of Tinkering Terms:
    1. Rule 1: If a term becomes larger, the overall total becomes larger.
    2. Rule 2: If a term becomes smaller, the overall total becomes smaller.
    3. Rule 3: If a negative term becomes less negative (closer to zero), the overall total increases.
    4. Rule 4: If a negative term becomes more negative (further from zero), the overall total decreases.

Order of Operations (BODMAS) & Historical Contribution of Brahmagupta

  • Order of Operations: In multi-operation expressions without explicit brackets, evaluate terms with multiplication/division first before adding or subtracting.
  • Brahmagupta's Legacy (c. 598–668 CE): In his treatise Brahmasphutasiddhanta (628 CE), ancient Indian mathematician Brahmagupta was among the first scholars to formalize systematic arithmetic rules for positive numbers, negative numbers, and zero (e.g., a+0=a, a0=0, 0-a=-a).

infograph of class 7 maths An Arithmetic Expression

3.0Important Formulas and Rules: Working with Expressions

  • Commutative Property: a+b=b+a
  • Associative Property: (a+b)+c=a+(b+c)
  • Distributive Property over Addition: a(b+c)=(ab)+(ac)
  • Distributive Property over Subtraction: a(b-c)=(ab)-(ac)
  • Bracket Removal Rule (Plus Sign): a+(b+c)=a+b+c and a+(b-c)=a+b-c
  • Bracket Removal Rule (Minus Sign): a-(b+c)=a-b-c and a-(b-c)=a-b+c
  • Inverse Operation Rule: a+b-b=a
  • BODMAS Rule for Order of Operations: Brackets → Of (multiplication) → Division → Multiplication → Addition → Subtraction.

4.0Learning Guide for Class 7 Maths Working with Expressions – Chapter 2

  • Rahul's Sandwich & Juice Change Problem: Rahul buys a sandwich for ₹30 and juice for ₹25, paying ₹70. Correct expression with brackets: 70-(30+25)=70-55=₹15.
  • Anita's Phone Discount Problem: Anita has ₹700 and plans to buy a ₹400 phone with a ₹75 discount. Expression with brackets: 700-(400-75). Removing brackets with sign change: 700-400+75=375.
  • Movie Theater Snacks (Distributive Property): 3 friends buy ₹15 popcorn and ₹10 drinks. Method 1: 3(15+10)=325=₹75. Method 2: (315)+(310)=45+30=₹75.
  • Grouping Students for a Project: Group A has 6 students (2 sheets each), Group B has 4 students (2 sheets each). Expressed as: (6+4)2=(62)+(42)=20sheets.
  • Fast Mental Math Shortcuts: Calculate 9835 by rewriting 98 as (100-2):
    9835=(100-2)35=(10035)-(235)=3500-70=3430.
  • Revision Tip for Bracket Removal: Always remember: + before bracket = keep signs, - before bracket = flip signs.

5.0Explore Chapter-wise Class 7 Maths Notes

Large Numbers Around Us Chapter 1 Notes

Arithmetic Expressions Chapter 2 Notes

A Peek Beyond the Point Chapter 3 Notes

Expressions Using Letter-Numbers Chapter 4 Notes

Parallel and Intersecting Lines Chapter 5 Notes

Number Play Chapter 6 Notes

A Tale of Three Intersecting Lines Chapter 7 Notes

Working with Fractions Chapter 8 Notes

6.0Additional Study Materials for Class 7 Maths

CBSE Syllabus for Class 7 Maths

CBSE Sample Question Papers for Maths Class 7

NCERT Solutions Class 7 Maths

NCERT Textbooks for Class 7 Maths

7.0Find the Right Study Resources for Class 7

CBSE Syllabus for Class 7

NCERT Textbooks for Class 7

CBSE Notes for Class 7

NCERT Solutions Class 7

CBSE Sample Question Papers for Class 7

8.0Key Features of Chapter 2 Arithmetic Expressions

  • Understanding Expressions: This explains how to make mathematical statements using numbers and operations.
  • Order of Operations: Teaches rules like BODMAS and PEMDAS for getting the right answer to expressions.
  • Simplification Techniques: Shows you how to break down complicated expressions into simpler parts.
  • Use of Brackets: This shows how brackets change the order of operations.
  • Practical Problem Solving: Uses expressions to figure out how to solve real-life maths problems.
  • Development of Logical Thinking: Improves accuracy and the ability to solve problems in a structured way.

Chapter-wise CBSE Notes for Class 7 Maths:

Class 7 Maths Chapter 1 - Large Numbers Around Us Notes

Class 7 Maths Chapter 2 - Arithmetic Expressions Notes

Class 7 Maths Chapter 3 - A Peek Beyond the Point Notes

Class 7 Maths Chapter 4 - Expressions Using Letter-Numbers Notes

Class 7 Maths Chapter 5 - Parallel and Intersecting Lines Notes

Class 7 Maths Chapter 6 - Number Play Notes

Class 7 Maths Chapter 7 - A Tale of Three Intersecting Lines Notes

Class 7 Maths Chapter 8 - Working with Fractions Notes


Chapter-wise NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Maths:

Chapter 1 - Large Numbers Around Us

Chapter 2 - Arithmetic Expressions

Chapter 3 - A Peek Beyond the Point

Chapter 4 - Expressions Using Letter-Numbers

Chapter 5 - Parallel and Intersecting Lines

Chapter 6 - Number Play

Chapter 7 - A Tale of Three Intersecting Lines

Chapter 8 - Working with Fractions