GCSE Maths: Factorising (Single Brackets)
Factorise expressions by taking out common factors. Practise it with adaptive questions for AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Eduqas.
What you need to know
The concepts examiners test on factorising (single brackets), and what each one is really asking.
Where marks get lost
The exam technique that separates a correct method from a correct answer.
- Not taking out the HIGHEST common factor
- Forgetting to factorise the letters as well as the numbers
- Sign errors inside the bracket
- Not checking by expanding
Factorising (Single Brackets) questions students ask
Is Factorising (Single Brackets) on the Foundation paper?
Yes. Factorising (Single Brackets) appears at both Foundation and Higher tier, though Higher papers take it further.
What should I know before starting Factorising (Single Brackets)?
It builds on HCF and Expanding brackets and Algebraic notation. If those feel shaky, practise them first — Factorising (Single Brackets) questions assume them.
What is the most common mistake in Factorising (Single Brackets)?
Not taking out the HIGHEST common factor.
Which exam boards cover Factorising (Single 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.