Algebraic terms
Letters are used in algebra in place of an unknown number, giving us algebraic terms like 2x. When algebraic terms are combined with mathematical operations, eg + or - we get an algebraic expression.
Multiplying brackets
When multiplying expressions in brackets, make sure that everything inside the bracket is multiplied by the term (or number) outside the bracket.
Example
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Method 1 - Boxes
Method 2 - Lines
Use either method, but remember that everything inside the bracket must be multiplied by the term (or number) outside the bracket.
Bracket × bracket
What happens when we have more than a single term or number outside the bracket? What happens when we have another bracket?
For example, if we want to expand , we need to make sure that everything in the first bracket is multiplied by everything in the second bracket.
We can do this in two ways, using boxes or lines.
Method 1 - Boxes
Method 2 - Lines
You can choose either method, boxes or lines, but make sure that you multiply everything. Also remember that a + or - sign belongs to the number or term immediately after it.
Example
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Here are both methods, using boxes and lines: