AlgebraIntroduction

Factorising = Reverse of Expanding

Part of FactorisingGCSE Mathematics

This introduction covers Factorising = Reverse of Expanding within Factorising for GCSE Mathematics. Revise Factorising in Algebra for GCSE Mathematics with 12 exam-style questions and 3 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 1 of 12 in this topic. Use this introduction to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Topic position

Section 1 of 12

Practice

12 questions

Recall

3 flashcards

Factorising = Reverse of Expanding

If expanding is "unpacking" a bracket, factorising is "repacking" it! You're looking for what's common to all terms and putting it outside the bracket. It's like finding the recipe from the finished cake!

Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Factorising. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

Practice Questions for Factorising

Which is the correct factorisation of 6x + 15?

  • A. 3(2x + 5)
  • B. 6(x + 9)
  • C. 3(2x + 15)
  • D. 2(3x + 7)
1 markfoundation

A student factorises x² + 5x + 4 as (x + 4)(x + 4). Explain why this is incorrect and give the correct factorisation.

2 marksstandard

Quick Recall Flashcards

Factorising
Take out highest common factor: 6x + 9 = 3(2x + 3)
Factorising Rule
Find the HCF of all terms (numbers AND letters), put outside bracket, divide each term for inside.

Want to test your knowledge?

PrepWise has 12 exam-style questions and 3 flashcards for Factorising — with adaptive difficulty and instant feedback.

Join Alpha