Algebra Expanding Brackets
Algebra So far we have looked at simplifying expressions like 3x + 2y + 2x + 4y collecting the like terms to make 5x + 6y
Algebra The next stage we need to deal with is an expression where brackets are involved, for example: 2 (5x + 3y) Between the 2 and the bracket there is no function symbol. This means the contents of the brackets are multiplied by the 2.
Algebra 2 (5x + 3y) Use the “crabs claw” 2 x 5x = 10x2 x + 3y = +6y 10x + 3y
Algebra Once you understand that the term outside the brackets always multiplies BOTH terms inside the brackets, the rest is fairly easy. There are just a few things to be careful of:
Algebra When the term outside the brackets has a letter: 2x(3x + 4y) 2x x 3x 6x 2 2x x +4y +8xy
Algebra Finally! x 4 x x 7 is not x 28 When indices are multiplied together we just add them x 4 x x 7 is x 11