IGCSE Maths / Working with algebra

Expanding a single bracket

Edexcel International GCSE Maths (4MA1), chapter 4: Working with algebra, specification point 2.2c-f. Part of the full course.

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Expanding a single bracket means multiplying the term outside by every term inside. It is a key step before solving many equations, and multiplying every term correctly avoids losing marks.

More lessons in Working with algebra

• Order of operations
• Collecting like terms
• Substituting into expressions and formulae
• Index laws with algebraic terms
• Fractional indices
• Expanding double brackets
• Expanding triple brackets
• Factorising with a common factor
• Factorising quadratics of the form x squared plus bx plus c
• Factorising with a coefficient
• Difference of two squares
• Writing and deriving a formula
• Changing the subject of a formula
• When the subject has a power on it