Expanding brackets: watch it solved step by step

Multiply out brackets with an area model, so no term is missed. Level: GCSE. Type any problem of this kind and the Lab works it out and animates every move, with a plain-words explanation of why.

Worked example: 2(x + 4)

1. The product. Every term in the first bracket must be multiplied by every term in the second bracket. An area model (a grid) makes sure no product is missed.
2. 2 × x. Multiply the numbers (2 × 1 = 2) and add the powers of x (0 + 1 = 1): 2x.
3. 2 × 4. Multiply the numbers (2 × 4 = 8) and add the powers of x (0 + 0 = 0): 8.
4. Read off all the products. Add up everything in the grid.
5. The expanded answer. 2x + 8
6. Check with numbers. Pick a value of x and try it in both the original and the expanded form. They must agree.

Answer: 2x + 8

Practise expanding brackets with problems the Lab marks for you.