AlgebraDeep Dive

Method: Expand Using "Arrows"

Part of Expanding Brackets · GCSE GCSE Mathematics revision

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.

Topic position

Section 3 of 13

Practice

14 questions

Recall

3 flashcards

Method: Expand Using "Arrows"

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)

Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Expanding Brackets. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

The Key Rule Worked Example 1: Basic Expansion What Does "Expand" Mean?Worked Example 2: With Subtraction

Practice Questions for Expanding Brackets

Which expression is equivalent to 3(x + 2)?

A. 3x + 2
B. x + 6
C. 3x + 6
D. 3x + 5

1 markfoundation

Expand -2(3x - 5)

2 marksfoundation

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

14 questions on Expanding Brackets — practise free

Instant marking, adaptive difficulty, and 3 spaced repetition flashcards. Free until your GCSEs.

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The Key Rule

Worked Example 1: Basic Expansion