0580

Expanding and Factorising Brackets

Algebra and Sequences

  • Expand any two brackets first and simplify, then multiply that result by the remaining bracket
  • The second stage multiplies a two-term bracket by a three-term expression, so a grid is worth using
    • (x + 1)(x + 2)(x + 3) expands to x³ + 6x² + 11x + 6
  • The highest power in the answer matches the number of brackets, which is a quick check