This key facts covers The Key Rule 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 2 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 Key Rule
Multiply EVERYTHING inside the bracket by the term outside
a(b + c) = ab + ac
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Multiply the first term inside
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Multiply the second term inside
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Watch the signs! Negative × Negative = Positive
Practice questions for Expanding Brackets
Which expression is equivalent to 3(x + 2)?
Expand -2(3x - 5)
Quick recall flashcards
Expansion Rule
a(b + c) = ab + ac - multiply EVERY term inside by the term outside
Sign Rules
Positive × Positive = Positive | Negative × Negative = Positive | Different signs = Negative