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 13 in this topic. Use this study notes to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and 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
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