Expanding single brackets

Learn the method, practise it, then try real exam questions.

ATeaching

Example 1

Expand 4(3x + 2)

  1. 1Draw a grid. Write the bracket across the top and the term outside the bracket down the left side.
    ×3x24  
  2. 2Multiply to fill each box:
    ×3x2412x8
  3. 3Put all the terms together to write your answer.

12x + 8

Example 2

Expand 3x(x − 4)

  1. 1 3x × x = 3x²
  2. 2 3x × −4 = −12x
  3. 3Put all the terms together to write your answer.

3x² − 12x

BQuestion generator

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CWorksheet

Expand single brackets worksheet

Expand single brackets

Each worksheet contains 10 questions about expanding a single bracket with a numerical factor, an algebraic factor, then both factors.
Worksheet (A) Answers (A) Full pack on TES ↓

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