How do I expand brackets by multiplication?

It's worth remembering FOIL: First, Outside, Inside, Last.Say we have the following:(a+b)(c+d), where a,b,c and d are positive integers.Using FOIL, we have: (First) + (Outside) + (Inside) + (Last)  ac  +   ad    +  bc   +  bdExamples:Expand the following brackets:1. (2x+3)(4x+6) = (F) 8x(O) 12x + (I) 12x + (L) 18             = 8x+ 24x + 182. (6x-1)(2x2+4) = (6x)(2x2) + 4(6x) + (-1)(2x2) + (-1)(4)             = 12x+ 24x - 2x- 43. (x-1)(2x+4)(3x-6) (Note: For this example, first expand the first two brackets, then expand the result with the third bracket, as follows):= (2x2+2x-4)(3x-6)  (To expand this, multiply the first term in the 1st bracket by the 1st term and 2nd term in the 2nd, the 2nd term in the 1st by the 1st and 2nd term in the 2nd bracket, the 3rd term in the 1st bracket by the 1st and 2nd terms in the 2nd bracket, as follows):= 6x- 12x+ 6x- 12x - 12x + 24= 6x- 6x- 24x + 24                               

LD
Answered by Liam D. Maths tutor

7024 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How do you solve the equation '2x + 1 = 5'?


The point P has coordinates (3, 4) The point Q has coordinates (a, b) A line perpendicular to PQ is given by the equation 3x + 2y = 7 Find an expression for b in terms of a.


There are 35 people in a group. x(x+1) of them have a blue car, 5x of them have a red car, 4 have a blue and a red car and 4x-8 do not have car. Work out the probability that a person who has a blue car, has a red car as well.


Solve the simultaneous equations 5x + y = 21 and x - 3y = 9


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning