Expansion interprets multiplication across a sum or difference: a factor outside parentheses multiplies every term inside, so expressions such as and have the same value for every . The reasoning applies the distributive property with simple one-variable expressions and whole-number or familiar rational coefficients, including attention to subtraction; it does not extend to multiplying two multi-term polynomials or more advanced symbolic cases.
To expand an expression, multiply the factor outside the parentheses by every term inside the parentheses.
For example, expand:
Multiply by the first term, :
Multiply by the second term, :
Write the results together:
So, the expanded expression is:
Remember: the outside factor must be multiplied by each term inside the parentheses, including a negative term.
Click a topic below to practice the foundational skills you'll need, learn the steps, or master this skill
Earned ?