← Chapter 47 Chapter 48: Multiplying Single Terms over Brackets Chapter 49 →

Chapter 48: Multiplying Single Terms over Brackets

✏️ Explanation

When multiplying a term by a bracket, multiply the term by each part inside the bracket. Watch the signs carefully.

🔍 Why It Matters

This skill is fundamental for expanding expressions and solving complex equations.

✏️ Worked Example

Expand: 4(2x - 3)
Step 1: Multiply 4 by the first term
4 × 2x = 8x
Step 2: Multiply 4 by the second term
4 × (-3) = -12
Step 3: Combine the results
8x - 12

🔢 Practice Exercises

1. Expand: 3(x + 5)
Answer:
2. Expand: -2(4 - y)
Answer:
3. Expand: 5(2a - 3b)
Answer:
4. Expand: -3(2x² + x - 4)
Answer:
5. Expand: x(x + 7)
Answer:

⚠️ Common Mistakes

  • Forgetting to multiply ALL terms in bracket
  • Sign errors with negative multipliers
  • Not distributing properly

✨ Quick Summary

Multiply the outside term by EVERY term inside the brackets. Mind the signs!