Skip to main content
MathidiaMathematics Academy
Expressions and equations
Lesson 38 of 75
Standard practice

Expand a single bracket

Objective. Apply the distributive law to expand expressions.

  1. 1. Learn
  2. 2. Worked example
  3. 3. Practice
  4. 4. Feedback
  5. 5. Continue

Learn: the key idea

Expand a single bracket is built on a small number of dependable facts. Simplify expressions and solve equations by preserving balance. Represent the information first, choose a method deliberately, show each step and use an inverse operation or estimate to check that the result fits the question.

Worked example

Write 4 × x × y using algebraic notation.

4
Illustrated card showing 4
  1. 1Identify the mathematical information and what must be found.
  2. 2Represent it with a number line, diagram, table or expression where helpful.
  3. 3Apply the relevant fact carefully and keep each line clear.
  4. 4Check the result against the conditions in the question: 4xy.

Answer: 4xy

Concept mastery

Based on your past attempts at this lesson — the question types to practise again come first.

Complete a practice set to see your concept breakdown here.

Practice

Practice happens on its own screen, one question at a time. Answers stay hidden until you submit yours, and you can stop and pick up at the same question later.

Start practising

Common mistake. A common mistake in expand a single bracket is to apply a remembered procedure before reading the signs, units or order carefully. Write the structure first, then calculate and check.

Your progress

Tick each step as you finish it. Your exact reading position is saved automatically, so Continue drops you back on the same line.

0 of 5 steps complete

Your place saves automatically as you read.

My dashboard