PrepWisePrepWiseExpanding Brackets
AlgebraStudy Notes

Worked Example 1: Basic Expansion

Part of Expanding Brackets — GCSE Mathematics

This study notes covers Worked Example 1: Basic Expansion 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 4 of 12 in this topic. Use this study notes to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Topic position

Section 4 of 12

Practice

14 questions

Recall

3 flashcards

Worked Example 1: Basic Expansion

Expand: 4(x + 5)

Step 1 Multiply 4 by x

4 × x = 4x

Step 2 Multiply 4 by 5

4 × 5 = 20

Final Combine the terms

4(x + 5) = 4x + 20

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.

Method: Expand Using "Arrows"Worked Example 2: With SubtractionWhat Does "Expand" Mean?The Key Rule

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

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

Want to test your knowledge?

PrepWise has 14 exam-style questions and 3 flashcards for Expanding Brackets — with adaptive difficulty and instant feedback.

Join Alpha

Previous

Method: Expand Using "Arrows"

Next

Worked Example 2: With Subtraction