Use the distributive property and combine like terms.
Read this first — it covers the idea in plain language with a worked example.
The distributive property says a(b + c) = ab + ac. Multiply the outside number by every term inside the parentheses.
Like terms share the same variable part. Add or subtract their coefficients: 5x + 2x = 7x. The number term (constant) stays separate.
Expand and simplify 3(2x + 4) - x.
Factoring is the reverse
To factor, pull out the greatest common factor: 6x + 9 = 3(2x + 3).
Watch the main video, then check the second take if you want another explanation.
Add or subtract terms that share the same variable part.
Watch on YouTubeTry a worksheet or work through some problems before the quiz.
A couple of questions to make sure this topic stuck. Retake as many times as you want.
Expanding & Factoring Expressions
Expand: 4(x + 3).
