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

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Simplify fully 3/(2x + 12) - (x - 15)/(x^2 - 2x - 48)


John wants to invest £100 into a savings account for 15 years. If he invests in saving account A he will receive 3.5% simple interest and if he invests in savings account B he will receive 3% compound interest. Which account should he choose and why?


Simplify the following expression: √48+√(16 3/9) Give your answer in the form: (a√3)/b where a and b are integers.


How do I solve the simultaneous equations 2x - y = 3 and 3x + y = 9