1
Draw arrows from the outside term to each term inside
2
Multiply along each arrow (watch the signs!)
3
Write out all the terms
4
Simplify if possible (collect like terms)
This deep dive covers Method: Expand Using "Arrows" within Expanding Brackets for GCSE Mathematics. Revise Expanding Brackets in Algebra for GCSE Mathematics with 14 exam-style questions and 3 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 3 of 13 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Practice questions for Expanding Brackets
Which expression is equivalent to 3(x + 2)?
Expand -2(3x - 5)
Quick recall flashcards
Sign Rules
Positive × Positive = Positive | Negative × Negative = Positive | Different signs = Negative
Expansion Rule
a(b + c) = ab + ac - multiply EVERY term inside by the term outside