GCSE Maths: Expanding Brackets
Expand single and double brackets in algebraic expressions. Practise it with adaptive questions for AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Eduqas.
What you need to know
The concepts examiners test on expanding brackets, and what each one is really asking.
Where marks get lost
The exam technique that separates a correct method from a correct answer.
- Only multiplying the first term inside the bracket
- Sign errors: −2(x − 3) = −2x + 6, not −2x − 6
- Forgetting to collect like terms after double brackets
- FOIL errors: missing the 'inside' or 'outside' terms
Expanding Brackets questions students ask
Is Expanding Brackets on the Foundation paper?
Yes. Expanding Brackets appears at both Foundation and Higher tier, though Higher papers take it further.
What should I know before starting Expanding Brackets?
It builds on Times tables and Negative number multiplication and Algebraic notation. If those feel shaky, practise them first — Expanding Brackets questions assume them.
What is the most common mistake in Expanding Brackets?
Only multiplying the first term inside the bracket.
Which exam boards cover Expanding Brackets?
All four we support — AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Eduqas. GCSE Maths subject content is set by the DfE, so the topic is common to every board; what changes is the paper structure and the grade boundaries.