Expanding double brackets
Learn the method, practise it, then try real exam questions.
ATeaching
Example 1
Expand and simplify (x + 3)(x + 4)
- 1Draw a grid. Write one bracket across the top and the other down the side.
×x+ 3x + 4 - 2Multiply to fill each box:
×x+ 3xx²+ 3x+ 4+ 4x+ 12 - 3Simplify the x terms:
3x + 4x = 7x - 4Put the x² term, the x term and the number together to write your answer.
x² + 7x + 12
Example 2
Expand and simplify (3x + 2)(2x − 5)
- 1Draw a grid. Write one bracket across the top and the other down the side.
×3x+ 22x − 5 - 2Multiply to fill each box:
×3x+ 22x6x²+ 4x− 5− 15x− 10 - 3Simplify the x terms:
4x − 15x = −11x - 4Put the x² term, the x term and the number together to write your answer.
6x² − 11x − 10
BQuestion generator
Want other topics or a printable sheet? Go to Question generator →
CWorksheet
Expand double brackets
Each worksheet contains 12 questions about expanding double brackets.
DPast exam questions
Want more? Browse the GCSE question bank →