AlgebraStudy Notes

Worked Example 3: Negative Outside

Part of Expanding Brackets · GCSE GCSE Mathematics revision

This study notes covers Worked Example 3: Negative Outside 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 6 of 13 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 6 of 13

Practice

14 questions

Recall

3 flashcards

Worked Example 3: Negative Outside

Expand: -2(3x - 4)

Step 1 Multiply -2 by 3x

-2 × 3x = -6x

Step 2 Multiply -2 by -4

-2 × (-4) = +8

Negative × Negative = Positive!

Final Write the answer

-2(3x - 4) = -6x + 8

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.

Worked Example 2: With Subtraction Common Mistakes What 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

14 questions on Expanding Brackets — practise free

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

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Worked Example 2: With Subtraction

Common Mistakes