Expanding Parentheses

Expanding Parentheses: The Distributive Law

Article Contents

  1. The Distributive Law
  2. One Term Outside Parentheses
  3. Multiplying Binomials (FOIL)
  4. Multiple Terms Outside
  5. Common Mistakes
  6. Practice Examples
  7. Interactive Exercises

    8. 1. The Distributive Law {#the-distributive-law}

    The distributive law states that multiplication can be "distributed" over addition or subtraction:

    Visual Explanation

    You have groups of :

    2. One Term Outside Parentheses {#one-term-outside}

    Basic Example

    Negative Sign

    Decimal Numbers

    3. Multiplying Binomials (FOIL) {#multiplying-binomials}

    When multiplying two binomials, use the FOIL method:

    LetterMeaningExample
    FirstFirst terms
    OuterOuter terms
    InnerInner terms
    LastLast terms

    Result

    4. Multiple Terms Outside {#multiple-terms-outside}

    Two Terms

      5. 5. Common Mistakes {#common-mistakes}

      ❌ Mistake 1: Forgetting the Sign

      The minus sign in front of parentheses changes ALL signs inside!

      ❌ Mistake 2: Incorrect Expansion

      6. Practice Examples {#practice-examples}

      Example 1: Simple Expansion

      Example 2: Two Parentheses

      Example 3: With Zero

      This is the difference of squares formula!

      7. Interactive Exercises {#interactive-exercises}

      Practice expanding:

      Formula Summary

      FormulaForm
      One term
      FOIL
      Difference of squares
      Perfect square