Expand brackets
- Multiply the outside term by each inside term.
- Keep signs with terms.
- Simplify if possible.
Answer: 2(y - 5) = 2y - 10
𝑥 Algebra
Expanding brackets
Learn expanding brackets with a GCSE-style explanation, help guide, worked example, practice question and flashcards.
Global XP
Level 10 / 100 XP
1. Explanation
Key idea
- Expanding brackets is part of algebra and appears often in KS3–GCSE maths.
- Expanding removes brackets by multiplying every term inside.
- Use the worked model, help guide, interactive question and flashcards to practise expanding brackets until the steps feel automatic.
Real-life examples
- Shopping, sport, travel, science, design and everyday decisions all use this skill.
2. Visual
Expanding brackets learning map
Understand the key idea → follow the help guide → practise a question → check your method → build speed with flashcards.
3. Help guide
How to tackle Expanding brackets
- Learn the rule: Expanding removes brackets by multiplying every term inside.
- Worked model: Multiply the outside term by each inside term. Keep signs with terms. Simplify if possible.
- Try the interactive question without looking at the answer first.
- Use the flashcards to test the rule, the method and a common check.
4. Worked examples
Step-by-step working
5. Interactive questions
Try it yourself
Expand 3(x + 4).
6. Flashcards
Master quick recall
Flip each card, then choose whether you know it or need more practice.
0 mastered
FrontRule for Expanding brackets
BackExpanding removes brackets by multiplying every term inside.
FrontExample answer: Expand 3(x + 4).
Back3 × x = 3x and 3 × 4 = 12, so 3(x + 4) = 3x + 12.
FrontCommon check for Expanding brackets
BackCheck units/notation, compare with an estimate, and make sure the answer matches the question.
7. Finish
Complete this topic
When you have read the examples, tried the question and reviewed flashcards, claim your topic completion XP.