Expanding Brackets: Pistachios Anyone?
Pistachios. Why not?
Make sure you have read my post on simplifying like terms before attempting this topic.
Expanding brackets is the process of removing the brackets from something like this: 3(x + 2)
(Thinking about it like removing the shells from a pistachio nut, might help you remember).
To remove the brackets or expand the expression, you need to multiply.
You multiply the number or letter that’s on the outside of the bracket with everything inside the bracket, but 1 step at a time:
So for this one: 3 (x + 2)
Do 3 times x, and then 3 times 2.
This gives 3x + 6.
3(x + 2) = 3x + 6
