Expanding and simplifying, e.g. (x+4)(x-2)

To break this down easily we can use a technique called a 'Farmers Field' !

Drawing a box with a cross through the middle to make 4 mini boxes, we can then use each mini box to write out each part of the answer. So above the box we write 'x' on the left and '+4' on the right. Outside the upper left side of the box we write 'x' and below that '-2' - So the way it is written out, all parts of the expanding will be included in each of the mini boxes. NOTE: a diagram makes this A LOT easier. 

Timesing out each part we will then obtain x2, 4x, -2x, and -8. Adding these 4 terms together to get our answer, we can see that 4x + -2x can be simplified to 4x-2x=2x, and so our answer is simplified to x2+ 2x -8

Answered by James H. Maths tutor

3247 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What does it mean to solve an equation for x?


If f(x) = 4x - 7 and f(c) = 9, find the value of c.


How to do Difficult Surd Algebraic manipulation questions example: Rationalise the denominator of the expression: 1+5^(1/2) / 3+5^(1/2). Give your answer in its simplest form:


A circle with centre C has equation x^2 + y^2 + 2x - 6y - 40 = 0. Express as (x - a)^2 + (y - b)^2 = d.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences