Multiply Out Single Brackets

In algebra, when we multiply out brackets, everything inside the bracket gets multiplied by whatever is outside the bracket.

Take care with the signs, remembering the rules about multiplying negative numbers:

When multiplying or dividing numbers, if the signs are the same (+ and + or - and -) the answer is positive (+)

If the signs are different (+ and - or - and +) the answer is negative (-)

The following examples show how the 3 and the -3 outside the brackets affect the terms inside the brackets.

Can you see how important it is to look carefully at the signs?!

Let's get started.