How do you expand brackets?

The easiest method to expand brackets would be to remember FOIL!
F - First
O - Outside
I - Inside
L - Last

Okay, so lets say you want to expand (3x+1)(2x+3), we'll fist multiply the first term of each bracket, 3x2x, which gives us 6x2. Next the outside term of each, 3x3, which makes 9x. Then the inside terms which are 12x, making just 2x. Finally the last terms, 31 which is just 3.
Adding these four together we get:
6x2+9x+2x+3
We can simplify the two x terms to leave us with a final answer of:
6x2+11x+3
 

CG
Answered by Connor G. Maths tutor

5685 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Solve 5x-2>3x+11


There are only red , blue and purple counters in a bag. The ratio of the number of red counters to the number of blue counters is 3 : 17. If a counter is taken randomly the probability that it is purple is 0.2 Work out the probability for it to be red.


how do you know if two straight lines on a graph are parallel or perpendicular?


Write 2x^(2) + 9x + 1 in the from a(x+m)^(2) + n, and hence solve 2x^(2) + 9x + 1= 0, leaving your answer in surd form.


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