This key facts covers The FOIL Method 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 9 of 13 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
The FOIL Method
F.O.I.L. = First, Outside, Inside, Last
| Step | Meaning | Example: (x + 3)(x + 2) |
|---|---|---|
| First | First term × First term | x × x = x² |
| Outside | First term × Last term | x × 2 = 2x |
| Inside | Last term × First term | 3 × x = 3x |
| Last | Last term × Last term | 3 × 2 = 6 |
Result: x² + 2x + 3x + 6 = x² + 5x + 6
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