Expand and simplify (3x+2) (x-5)

We expand this term by term.

To make sure we expand every term, I use the beak method. To do this, draw 2 curves over the equation from the 3x to the x, and then a second curve from the x to the +2.

Then draw 2 more curves, this time under the equation, from the 3x to the -5, and the second from the -5 to the +2.

You will notice the lines make an outline of a beak.

Now we are ready to multiply all of the lines.

3x * x = 3x2

x * 2 = 2x

3x * -5  = -15x

5 * 2 = -10

Now we simply add all of these calculated terms together:

3x2+2x-15x-10

We can do one step of simplification as there are two x terms:

2x-15x=-13x

This now gives us the final answer:

3x2-13x-10

DS
Answered by Dominic S. Maths tutor

19274 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

A plane travels at the speed of 213 miles per hour. Work out an estimate for the number of seconds it takes a plane to travel 1 mile.


What does Pythagoras's theorem state?


Solve 10(x + 2) – (2x – 9) = 30


10 girls and 15 boys sit a test. The mean mark for the boys is 70. The mean mark for girls is 82. Work out the mean mark for the whole class.


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