How would I expand 3 brackets, e.g. (x + 3)(x + 4)(x + 2)?

Expanding 3 brackets is very much the same method as expanding 2. In the example you gave, to start you would expand the first two brackets out using the FOIL method (firsts, outsides, insides and leftovers), giving (x2+ 4x +3x +12). You would show this in your line of working as (x2+ 4x + 3x +12)(x + 2). Next you simplify the expansion you have just completed so it makes it easier for you to multiply with the 3rd bracket: (x2+ 7x +12)(x + 2). Then expand the brackets, again using the FOIL method to give: (x3+ 2x2 + 7x2+ 12x +14x + 24), simplifying to give the answer of: (x3+ 9x2 + 26x +24)

Answered by Emma W. Maths tutor

4334 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Billy wants to buy 10kg of the same oranges. Type A comes in bags of 1.25 kg and costs £1.50. Type B comes in bags of 5kg and used to cost £6.60 but are now 15% off. Which type is more worth it for Billy and how much does it cost?


A cylinder has radius 2cm and height 9cm. A cone has radius r cm and height h cm. The ratio r : h is 1 : 4. The volume of the cone is equal to the volume of the cylinder. Work out the value of r.


Expand the quadratic equation and simplify: (3a+4)(a-1)


3y^2 + 10y + 3


We're here to help

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