Algebra

Expand

Multiply out brackets so that no brackets remain.

Definition

"Expand and simplify" means: multiply out, then collect like terms. Single brackets use the distributive law. Double brackets use FOIL (First, Outer, Inner, Last) or the grid method.

Example

3(x + 4) = 3x + 12. (x + 2)(x + 3) = x² + 5x + 6.

Used in these topics

Expanding brackets →

Related terms

Factorise

Rewrite an expression as a product of its factors — the opposite of expanding.

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