Hi I am doing algebra at school but how do you expand brackets?

Answer 1

To expand brackets means to remove them and simplify the equation.

Here's some links to help you through it
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ks3bitesize/maths/algebra/ex_brackets_1.shtml

http://www.teacherschoice.com.au/Maths_Library/Algebra/Alg_2.htm

Answer 2

If you mean these, (x+2)(x+2). Then the f.o.i.l method is fairly easy for a begginner. F=first O=outer I=inner L=last, so you times the brackets for each letter, e.g. (X+2)(X+2) F=X*X=x(Squared) O=2*x=2X I=2*x=2X L=2*2=4

So the answer is X(sq) + 2x +2x +4 = X(sq) +4x +4

Answer 3

quick answer, the same as parenthesis ()

Brackets are only used to show a difference when you would otherwise have a lot of ().

Soo, if you had 2((5+5)-2) it's sometimes written 2*[(5+5)-2] so it's easier to tell what goes with what.

Answer 4

Consider the examples below:-

Example 1
(x + 2y)(2x + 5y)
If you are not confident it may be a good idea to multiply the second bracket by x and then by 2y.
This would give:-
2x² + 5xy + 4xy + 10y² = 2x² + 9xy + 10y²

Example 2
(2p - 5q)(3p + 8q) = 6p² + 16pq - 15pq - 40q²
= 6p² + pq - 40q²

Hope these examples are enough to get you started off.